Country Profile: Bhutan
Bhutan, a landlocked kingdom nestled in the southern Himalayas between China and India, boasts a diverse geography characterized by mountainous terrain and fertile valleys. With an estimated population of 884,546 in 2024, this small nation has made impressive strides in development, primarily through hydropower investments that shape its economy centered around Gross National Happiness. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Bhutan has gradually embraced democratic reforms, fostering a unique blend of tradition and modern governance.
Geography
Bhutan's geographical position, bordered by China and India, gives it strategic importance in South Asia. The country has a total area of 38,394 sq km, showcasing a predominantly mountainous landscape with elevations ranging from 97 m at its lowest to 7,570 m at its highest point, Gangkar Puensum. Bhutan experiences a variety of climates, from tropical in the southern plains to severe winters and cool summers in the high Himalayas.
- 1,136 km: Total land boundaries.
- 70.6%: Proportion of forested land (2023 estimate).
- 13.8%: Agricultural land (2023 estimate), including 2.6% arable land.
- 0 km: Coastline, emphasizing its landlocked status.
People and Society
The Bhutanese people are primarily of Ngalop and ethnic Nepali descent, with a total population estimated at 884,546 in 2024. The predominant religion is Lamaistic Buddhism, practiced by 75.3% of the population, while 22.1% follow Hinduism. Bhutan has a youthful demographic, with a median age of 30.7 years, and urbanization is on the rise, accounting for 44.4% of the total population.
- 64.9%: Literacy rate (2022 estimate).
- 73.7 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 estimate).
- 15.3 births/1,000: Birth rate (2024 estimate).
- 12.4%: Population living below the national poverty line (2022 estimate).
- 2.9%: Unemployment rate (2024 estimate).
Economy
Bhutan's economy is propelled by its rich hydropower resources, which underpin a Gross National Happiness-centered development model. Real GDP at purchasing power parity was estimated at $11.517 billion in 2023, with a growth rate of 4.9%. Key sectors include agriculture, industry, and services, with the latter contributing 52.7% to GDP.
- $3.019 billion: GDP at official exchange rate (2023 estimate).
- 2.8%: Projected inflation rate for 2024.
- 406,500: Estimated labor force (2024).
- 28.3%: Share of exports in GDP (2023).
- $944.391 million: Exports (2024 estimate).
Government
The Kingdom of Bhutan operates as a constitutional monarchy where the King shares power with a bicameral Parliament. The most recent parliamentary elections were held in January 2024, underpinning Bhutan's commitment to democratic governance after implementing its first constitution in 2008.
- King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK: Current head of state since December 2006.
- Prime Minister Tshering TOBGAY: Assumed office on January 28, 2024.
- 20 districts: Administrative divisions of Bhutan.
- 18 years: Minimum voting age.
Military and Security
Bhutan's military, the Royal Bhutan Army (RBA), has a small active personnel strength of 7-8,000, with no conscription and voluntary service available to both men and women. The RBA is equipped primarily through support from India, focusing on external defense alongside internal security tasks.
- 190 personnel: Deployed in international peacekeeping operations (2024).
- 18 years of age: Minimum age for voluntary military service.
- 5 years: Term length for chief justice appointed by the King.
Energy
Bhutan is a leader in renewable energy, especially hydropower, which accounts for 100% of its electricity generation. The country achieved 100% electrification by 2022, and energy consumption per capita stands at 64.082 million Btu/person.
- 2.344 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
- 11.914 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
- 6 billion kWh: Electricity exports (2020).
Environment
Bhutan's environmental policies focus on conservation and sustainable practices. The country faces challenges such as soil erosion and limited access to potable water, yet it is a party to numerous international environmental agreements.
- 70.6%: Forest cover (2023 estimate).
- 733,000 metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023).
- 1.7%: Proportion of municipal solid waste recycled (2022 estimate).
Transportation
Bhutan maintains a modest transportation infrastructure, with 4 airports and 8 heliports, essential for connecting its mountainous terrain.
Communications
The telecommunications sector is growing, with 88% of the population estimated to be internet users in 2023 and a total of 752,000 mobile cellular subscriptions.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 884,546 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 38,394 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $3.019 billion | 2023 estimate |
| Real GDP (PPP) | $11.517 billion | 2023 estimate |
| Energy Consumption Per Capita | 64.082 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 64.9% | 2022 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 73.7 years | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 15.3 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Gini Index | 28.5 | 2022 estimate |
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