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THE DRAGON KINGDOM : BHUTAN
Bhutan often revered as the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon' is still regarded as one of the last 'Shangri-La' in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, it's spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia, which allows only limited number of discerning travelers to enter the country in order to protect its fragile environment and culture.
Bhutan a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom is unsurpassed in its scenic majesty and vibrant culture. He kingdom shares with Nepal the world's greatest concentration of mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. The fifty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight a first hand close up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other famous peaks become reality. Biweekly flights between these two kingdoms have made easier travel to the long isolated
Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan. It lies east of Nepal and west of Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is south of the Tibetan hinterland and north of the Indian territories of Assam and West Bengal.
COUNTRY PROFILE:
| Population |
7,00,000 (1996) |
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| Capital |
Thimpu |
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| Location |
Bhutan lies between 890 and 920 E and 270 and 280 N. |
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| Time |
30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time. |
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| Language |
Dzongkha |
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| People |
There are two main population groups in Bhutan: the Dukpa (67%) of Tibetan and Monpa origin and Lhotsampa (30% of Nepalese origin). The rest 3% comprise of indigenous tribal groups such as Toktop, Doya and Lepcha of SW Bhutan. |
| Religion: |
Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism is the state religion but the Nyingma School is also well represented in the central and eastern districts. |
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