Bhutan- Interesting Facts

 

In this article we will discuss about some of the very interesting facts about Bhutan, Which is neighboring country of India.

1.       Bhutan is the only country in the world which is carbon negative i.e. they absorb more carbon than they generates. This is due to thick forests, Out of Total Bhutan area 70% is covered by forests and have very small population of 7.70 lacs.

2.       Bhutan measures their progress of country in Gross National Happiness instead of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This concept was introduced by Bhutan Forth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. They think that GDP growth ignores the Need of every Human being i.e. Happiness.

3.       The internet and Television in Bhutan was allowed only in year 1999.

4.       In 1970 only Bhutan allowed the foreign Tourists.

5.       Bhutan was isolated from the world till 1974, in 1974 only when King Coronation was allowed to cover by Media.

6.       Bhutan has approach for charging high to foreigners with lower visits to their nation. They charge except from India Citizens an amount of $200 per persons per night in low seasons i.e. January, Feb, June, July, August and December and Charge $250 per person per night during peak season for remaining months.

7.       Facilities like Education and healthcare are free for their citizens. Government don’t charge even for Books, Tuition fee.

8.       You will be amazed to find that there are no lights in this Country as people of Bhutan drive quite slowly and also there are so many dangerous roads and steep curves. You can’t even lights in Bhutan Capital naming as Thimphu.

9.       There is a Mountain naming as Gangkhar Pnensum which has height of 7570 meters (24,836 feet) is never get conquered by any climber. This is 40^th highest mountain in the world.

So many climbers tried to reach at the top of mountain but they get failed everytime. This mountain also touches with China. In Year 1994 Bhutan Government restricted the climbing only up to the height of 6000 meters. In 2004 Bhutan Government put a complete ban on mountaineering. The meaning of Gangkhar Pnensum is “White Peak of Three Spiritual Brothers”.

10.   The Paro Airport is the only International Airport in Bhutan. This airport is surrounded by mountains which are as high as 5500 meters.  This airport is world’s most difficult airport. You can travel there only in day time i.e. from sunrise to sunset. Only few pilots are certified to fly into Bhutan’s only airport their numbers are less than 20 nos. As the planes came so much close to mountains that it sometimes feel that planes wings are going to touch the mountains.

11.    Bhutan held their first elections in Year 2005 as the king Jigme Singye Wangchuck thought was that it will be not always the honest and good king remains in Bhutan so he favored for elections in order to get the their monarchy through voting.

12.   Smoking is prohibited in public places in Bhutan. Person will be imprisoned if found smoking in public places.

13.   The national Animal of Bhutan is a Goat. Goat Name is “Takin”.

14.   Bhutan People call their land as “ Druk Yul” which means land of “Land of Thunder Dragons” because storms in Himalayas can be heard in Bhutan.

15.   You will be Amazed to find Phallus images outside home walls as they consider that as a symbol of propriety and Fertility.

16.   Bhutan was never ever ruled by any external entity i.e. they remained always independent. Bhutan defended their Sovereignty successfully.

17.   National sport of Bhutan is Archery. They even send their team for Olympics.

18.    The national Dress for Men is "Gho" and for Women is "Kira"

19.   It is always mandatory to wear these dresses for Schools and Government Institutions on formal occasions.

20.   Bhutan main source of income is from Agriculture, Forests and Hydropower.

21.   Bhutan has land border only with India.

22.   The national Bird of Bhutan is “The Raven”