Bhutan

The kingdom of Bhutan is situated in the South Asia at the eastern end of the Himalaya. The landlocked country shares its border with India to the east and west, China to the north. The country is seperated from Nepal by Sikkim. It the happiest country in Asia and 8th happiest country in the world. Vajrayana and Buddhism are the state religions. Until 2008, Bhutan was governed directly by the monarchy. In 2008- March, first demecratic elections were held. The country is a member of SAARC. Bhutan is the only country in the world to prohibit the sale of tobacco.

HISTORY:- The history of Bhutan is not very clear. Aboriginal Bhutanese, known as Monpa, were believed to be the first inhabitants of the region. By the 10th century, much of the history was dominated by religion. Under the Mongol and Tibetan lords, numerous Buddhist sub-sects came out. In the 14th century, after the downfall of the Mongols, those sub-sects engaged in conflict over the issue of supremacy. In 16th century, the Drukpa sub-sect emerged as the supreme power in Bhutan. The 17th century was marked by several minor battles, which was resolved by the Tibeten Lama and military officer Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After the death of Namgyal in 1651, civil war broke out in the land. The Tibetens invaded Bhutan in 1710 and 1730, but was overpowered by the Btutanese. In 18th Century, Btutan captured Cooch behar. Cooch behar pleaded the British to save the land and the British invaded Bhutan in 1774. Duar War was started off to decide the fate of Bengal Duars. The British won the battle. In 1907, Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously selected  the king. In 1910, a treaty was signed with UK to guide its foreign affairs.

GEOGRAPHY:- Bhutan is located at 27 30 N, 90 30 E in Southern Asia. The landlocked country occupies total 47,000 sq km land area on the surface of the earth. The lowest point is Drangme Chhu (97 m) and the highest point is Kula Kangri (7553 m). The land is mostly mountainous with some fecund valleys and savanna. Torsa, Raidak, Sankosh, Manas are the major rivers of the country.

CLIMATE:- The climate of Bhutan varies from tropical in the southern plains, cold winters and hot summers in central valleys, to chilling winter and cool summers in the Himalayas.

GOVERNMENT:- Bhutan is a democratic country. It has a Constitutional Monarchy. There is no formal constitution in Bhutan. In 2005, a constitution was drafted but not adopted yet. The legal system is based on the Indian and English law. The government is divided into three major branches:

Executive branch comprises the chief of state (King), head of government (Prime minister), and cabinet. The council of ministers is nominated by the King with the approval of the National Assembly.

Legislative branch comprises the bicameral Parliament, which consists of non-partisan National Council (25 seats) and the National Assembly (47 seats).

Judicial branch comprises the Supreme Court of Appeal, High Court. The judges are appointed by the King.

There are two political parties: People's Democratic Party and Druk Phuensum Tshogpa. Voting rights are universal at 18.Ruler:    King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchukin (2006)

Prime Minister:  Lyonpo Jigme Thinley