Advertisers

Bhutan

You are here:

In terms of average wage, Bhutan is rated as a poor country, but the land is fertile and the population small and so the people are well fed and beggars and homeless are non-existent. In addition, this generation all receive free education and all citizens have access to free medical care. The sale of tobacco products is totally banned (foreign tourists and NGOs are exempt, though it is illegal for them to sell tobacco to locals), and smoking in public areas is a fineable offense. A unique aspect of Bhutan is that progress is not purely defined by economic achievements as in most countries, but also based on the level of cultural and environmental preservation and development. This ideology was the brain child of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk who, having gained a modern education in India and the UK, realized that mere economic success did not necessarily translate into a content and happy society. Consequently, soon after his coronation in 1974, the young king began to float the idea of developing a new set of guide lines by which to govern the country. Slowly these ideas took shape, and in 1998 the GNH indicator was established. GNH stands for 'Gross National Happiness' and is defined by the following four objectives: to increase economic growth and development, preserve and promote the cultural heritage, encourage sustainable use of the environment, and establish good governance. Currently, work is in progress on converting the GNH from being a mere guiding principle for the country's development into a workable set of standard indicators. As a result of this more humane style of governance, Bhutan has developed high environmental protection standards (the use of plastic bags, for example, is completely banned) and a peaceful and harmonious society that actively protects its rich culture and profound Buddhist traditions. Major sources of income for the kingdom are agriculture, tourism and hydroelectric power. Still, while Bhutan is often painted as a modern-day Shangri-La in the Western press, the country remains poor, with average life expectancy around 66 and a 7.2% infant mortality rate. At present, the country remains an absolute monarchy, with no political opposition allowed. However, this is about to change with the introduction of a new constitution that will transform the kingdom into a parliamentary democracy in 2008, and with this all citizens will be guaranteed freedom of speech, freedom of religious affiliation and the right to a free and independent media. Around 125,000 ethnic Nepalese, known as the Lhotshampa, live in exile in Nepal and India. The question of their citizenship is still unresolved as it is difficult to distinguish Nepali economic settlers in Bhutan from Nepali economic migrants in the whole region. Culturally, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist with a national language (although there are regional variations - such as Sharchopkha, the predominant language in Eastern Bhutan), and a common dress code and architectural style. The official name for the country is Druk Yul - Land of the Thunder Dragon - but due to the harmonious nature of the society, it has acquired the additional nickname of Deki Druk (Yul) - (Land of) the Peaceful Thunder Dragon.

History

The first humans probably arrived sometime after the Ice Age, and little is known about Bhutan's prehistory. Historical records began with the arrival of Buddhism in the 7th century, when Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) visited Bhutan and established monasteries. In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. In December 2006, King Jigme Singye Wangchuk transferred power to his eldest son, the Crown Prince Jigme Keshar Namgyel, bestowing upon him the title of the fifth Druk Gyalpo. Guru Rinpoche It is not possible to travel far in Bhutan without seeing images of a man wearing a tall elaborate hat and with eyes that are open wide and staring forward into space. This is the great 8th century sage of Vajrayana Buddhism, Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche as he often called. According to legend, Padmasambhava was reincarnated into a lotus blossom as an eight year old child, and from very young he possessed great wisdom and insight. Furthermore, he had mastery of the elements and so like a potter manipulating basic clay and turning it into beautiful pots, he was was able to transform harmful action and substances into something positive and beneficial. Guru Rinpoche's special association with Bhutan began when he traveled to the town now known as Jakar at the invitation of a local king to subjugate negative forces. The mission was a success, and from this encounter Buddhism spread throughout the land. A body print of the great sage exists to this day at Kurjey Lhakhang in Jakar, and he is also associated with many other sacred sites in Bhutan, with perhaps the most notable being the cliff-hanging Taktshang Monastery in Paro.

National Holidays

2008:

January 2 (not fixed) - Winter Solstice (Western Bhutan only)
January 9 (not fixed) - Traditional Day of Offerings (a day to offer food to hungry creatures - celebrated as new year in Eastern Bhutan)
February 8-9 - (not fixed) - New Year (losar)
February 21-23 (every year) - Anniversary of birth of HM King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (the former king)
April 15 (not fixed) - Shabdrung Kuchoe (commemorates the passing of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1651 CE)
May 2 (every year) - Anniversary of Third king
May 19 (not fixed) - Commemoration of Lord Buddha's Parnirvana.
July 12 (not fixed) - Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Rinpoche
August 5 (not fixed) - Commemoration of the First Sermon Taught by Lord Buddha in Sarnath, India
October 9 (every year) - Hindu ceremony of Dasera
November 11 (every year) - Anniversary of birth of HM King Jigme Singye Wangchuk (the fourth king)
November 19 (not fixed) - Descending Day of Lord Buddha
December 17 (every year) - national day, commemorating the 1907 coronation of the first hereditary king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck

In addition to the above national holidays, there are also tshechu holidays which are celebrated regionally.

Media

Kuenselonline [4] A government run newspaper
BBS [5] The official TV broadcasting station
The Bhutan Times [6] An independent source of news on Bhutan
The Bhutan Observer [7] An independent source of news on Bhutan
Kuzoo FM [8] An English language radio channel - mixture of youth orientated music and discussion programs - FM 105.

Crime is not a problem in Bhutan and it remains one of the safest countries in the world.

Hospitals and clinics are located throughout the country, even in the remotest areas. However, travelers should not expect hi-tech facilities, and at many of the Basic Health Units the resident doctor is often away.
Indigenous medical facilities are located in all district capitals, with the largest being in Thimphu, so it also possible to have ailments diagnosed and treated using natural herbal compounds while in Bhutan.
Waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, giardia and even typhoid are not uncommon in Bhutan, especially during the summer monsoon season. Therefore, ensure that all water has been thoroughly boiled or otherwise purified before consuming.
In case of emergency, it is advisable to carry first aid material, which might include a few antibiotics and acetamenophin (paracetamol).
Altitude sickness can strike at altitudes as low as 2,500m. Be aware of this before embarking on expeditions in the mountains. If you suffer palpitations, shortness of breath or severe headaches, inform your guide and head to a lower altitude immediately. Take altitude sickness seriously. It can and does kill.
The hygiene standard is acceptable in tourist areas. However, it is probably wise to prepare medicine for stomach upsets.
The Street dog population is very high in Thimphu (and to a lesser extent in most towns), and so some awareness is required when walking around the bazaar area at night. NB: There are reports of rabies associated with the canine population and, although it is uncommon, immediately seek medical attention and request a rabies vaccination if bitten. Remember if treatment is delayed, rabies develops into an incurable and fatal disease.
Malaria and Dengue fever are not common problems in Bhutan, though there are outbreaks in the Indian border regions during the summer monsoon season.