Bhutan

Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia, located in the Eastern Himalayas. It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Known for its dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys, Bhutan is considered one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

History

Bhutan has a long history of isolation and independence. It was unified as a country in the early 17th century by the Tibetan lama and military leader Ngawang Namgyal, who established a dual system of government. In 1907, the monarchy was established under Ugyen Wangchuck. Bhutan remained relatively isolated until the mid-20th century and began gradual modernization and engagement with the international community in the 1960s.

Etymology

The name "Bhutan" is thought to derive from the Sanskrit word Bhotanta, meaning "the end of Tibet." The Bhutanese refer to their country as Druk Yul, which means "Land of the Thunder Dragon."