The chronicled history of the country begins with the advent of Buddhism in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava, popularly revered in Bhutan as Guru Rimpoche or the Precious Master, made his legendary trip in 747 A.D. on the back of a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits who hindered Buddhism. After defeating them, he blessed and made them local guardians of the doctrine, thus introducing Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan.

Taktsang or Tiger’s Nest in the Paro valley is where he landed and today it remains one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.

The Name Bhutan is derived from the Sanskrit Bootan, meaning the land of Tibet or Bhu-uttan, meaning High land. Historically the Bhutanese have refered to their country as Druk Yul, land of the thunder dragon and themselves as Drukpa people.

Guru Rimpoche is recognized as the second Buddha as well as the father of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism practiced in Bhutan. Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama of Drukpa Kagyu School arrived in Bhutan in 1616 AD.; consolidated the country under a unified power, built Dzongs throughout Bhutan and established the Choesi (Dual) system of governance, whereby both the temporal and the religious authority were separated and vested in the Druk Desi (Temporal Head) and Je Khenpo (Spiritual Head) respectively. Bhutan emerged with a distinct national and cultural identity, as well as, an unprecedented degree of political stability. During the second half of the 18th century, the country witnessed a resurgence of political instability,. The unity of the country was affected by internal dissant. External threats in the latter half of the 19th century added a new dimension to the political quandary. It was against this background that the need for a strong leadership emerged. Peace and stability were restored with the enthronement of His Majesty King Ugen Wangchuk (1907-1926). On December 17, 1907 with signing and sealing of the Oath of Allegiance in a grand ceremony in Punakha Dzong, Ugen Wangchuk became the first hereditary monarch of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

The monarchy has thrived ever since, and the present Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuk (1972 to present), commands the overwhelming support for his people.

GEOGRAPHY : The Kingdom of Bhutan lies in the eastern Himalayas, it is surrounded by India on the west, south and east, and by Tibet (China) on the north. The kingdom has a total area of about 46,500 square kilometers. Tucked away in the heart of the high Himalayan mountain range, Bhutan is a land-locked country, entirely mountaineous and ranges in elavation from 100 meters along the Indian border in the south to the Greater Himalayas, bounded to the north by the Tibetan plateau, reaching heights of over 7500 meters (24600ft). The maximum East-West strecthof the country is approximately 300 km and North-South about 150km.

PEOPLE : Early records suggest scattered clusters of inhabitants had already settled in Bhutan when the first recorded settlers arrived 1400 years ago. Bhutan’s indigenous population is the Drukpa. Three main ethnicgroups, the Sharchops, Ngalops and the Lhotsampas (Nepalese origin), make up today’s Drukpa population. Bhutan’s earliest residents, the Sharchops live largely in the eastern regions. They are of Indo Mongoloid. The Ngalops migrated from the Tibetan plains and are the importers of Buddhism to the kingdom. The Lhotsampas migrated to the southern plains in search of agricultural land and work in the early 20th century. The current population is aprox. 6,98,950, 79 percent being rural, 21 percent urban, at the ration of 50.5 percent males and 49.5 percent females.

The ethnic diversity of the Bhutanese people has meant that more than 12 different dialects and few languages are spoken throughout this small kingdom.. The official language is Dzongka, which is taught at all schools. Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humour.

Bhutan has never had a rigid class system and educational opportunities are not affected by rank or birth. Bhutanese women enjoy equal rights with men inevery respect. Both men and women are free to choose their partners for marriage and both can initiate a divorce. To keep the traditional culture alive, Bhutanese people wear the traditional clothing that has been worn for centuries. Men wear gho, a long robe tied around the waist by a small belt called Kera. Kira, the main garment of women is an ankle lenth wrap-around dress, made from a beautifully colored and finely woven fabrics with traditional patterns secured by a belt around the waist, and fastened at the shoulders with silver broches called Koma. Necklaces are fashioned from corals, pearls, turquoise, and the precious agate eye stones which the Bhutanese call ‘tears of the gods’ or dzi.

RELIGION : The state religion of Bhutan is the Drukpa Sect of Kagyupa, a Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism. Ever since its introduction in the eight century, Buddhism has shaped the nation’s history and played and continues to play a vital role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. It permeates all strands of secular life, bringing with it a reverence for the land and its well being. Annual festivals (tshechus and dromchoes) are spiritual occasions in each district. They bring together the population and are dedicated to the Guru Rimpoche or other deities. Throughout Bhutan, from the most densely populated valleys to the most remote mountains way stops, religious monuments and symbols bear witness to a deep and respected faith. One comes across prayer wheels, prayer flags and the sacred mantras and statues of gods and saints carved on the slabs of stone and rocky hillsides. Chortens or stupas (receptacle for offerings) line the roadsides or hills commemorating places where Guru Rimpoche or another high Lama may have stopped to subdue demons. Prayer flags on mountain slopes, bridges and high passes are even common. They allow Bhutanese people to maintain a constant communication with the heavens.

GOVERNMENT : The form of government in Bhutan is as unique as the country. It is the only Democratic Constitutional Monarch in the world. His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk is Bhutan’s fourth king. A very special man who has kept the culture and traditions of his country intact and always emphasized the importance of the government being responsive to the needs and interest of the people. In 1998, through an unprecedented Royal Edict, the Lhengye Zhungtshog (Cabinet) was dissolved and the National Assembly elected the members of the Council of Ministers by a secret ballot. HM stepped down as the head of government, assigning that function to a prime minister, assisted by a cabinet, made up of Ministers and secretaries of State (HM remains head of State). Ministers have been, since the major reform of 1998 initiated by the king, elected by members of the National Assembly (Tshogdu) for a term of 5 years. Each minister in turn, serves as government head for 1 year. On the insistence of HM, the National Assembly in July 1999 further debated and endorsed the Chathrim (the role and responsibility of the Council of Ministers) and the mechanism for a vote of confidence in the king. In December, 2001, HM appointed a 39 member committee from the monk body, people, judiciary and the Royal Government to draft Bhutan’s first constitution.

Administratevely, Bhutan is divided into 20 Dzongkhags (Districts) composed of 201 Geogs (Blocks). At the districts, block and village levels there are established mechanisms that ensure people’s participation in the decision making process. In a landmark event in the political evolution of the nation, Gups (village head) in 201 Geogs were elected based on the adult franchise for the first time. The chairperson of the Dzongkhag Yarkey Tshochung (District Development Council or DYT) was also transferred from the Dzongdag (District Govornors) to elected members. These constitute concrete political and administrative mechanisms for syatematic transfer of economic and political decision-making power to the people.

The Tshogdu (National Assembly) which is the highest legislative body, has 150 members; 105 are elected representatives of the people from 20 districts, who serve for 3 years, 10 are from the Clergy who also serve for 3 year term, and 35 are nominated representatives of the Government. The Tshogdu which meets in Thimphu once a year inacts the legislation and advises the government on all matters of importance. It is presided by an elected speaker. The speaker may also call special sessions during emmergencies. The Tshogdu body passes all the kingdom’s legislation by a simple majority vote. Any Bhutanese citizen above 25 years can be a candidate for the membership of the Tshogdu.

The Judiciary system of Bhutan is comprised of a three-tier hierarchy- i.e. the Sub-Divisional- Court, the District Court and the High-Court. People can approach His Majesty the king for pardon/commutation of sentences. The High-Court in Thimphu consists of the Chief Justice (Thrimche Lyonpo) and seven Judges (Dragpon), and in all 20 Dzongkhags (Districts) and three Dungkhag (Sub-Divisional) headed by Judges (Dragpons).

The laws of the country have been codified in the Thrimzhung Chenpo (Supreme Law). Bhutan’s Legal Code is based on a code laid down by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. Traditional Buddhist precepts are significantly maintained in the legal processes. The Cabinet or the Lhengye Zhungtshog is now the highest executive body in the country. It consists of the Council of Ministers ans members of the Lodey Tshogdey (Royal Advisory Council). Its members are collectively responsible to His Majesty and the Tshogdu (National Assembly). The Royal Advisory Council is another consultative and advisory body that advises the King and government Ministers and to supervise the implementation of programmes and policies laid down by the Tshogdu. There are nine members of the Ruyal Advisory Council including the Chairman. Six are elected representatives of the public, two elected representatives of the clergy and one nominated by the government who functions as the Chairman of the Council.

The Monastic Body comprises of the Central Monastic Body and the District Monastic Bodies. Presently there are 5000 registered monks supported by the government. The Monastic Body is the sole arbiter on religious matters, His Holiness, Je Khenpo is chosen from amongst high-ranking monks. He is the head of the Monastic Body and is assisted by four high-ranking monks.