Introduction

The Kingdom of Bhutan, with its modest area of 38,394 square kilometers, is a testament to the power of resilience and independence. Situated in South Asia, this tiny nation is sandwiched between China and India, two of the world’s most populous countries, yet it has managed to maintain its sovereignty and distinct identity. Bhutan’s diverse landscape is characterized by towering mountains, with elevations ranging from 100 meters to 7,326 meters, and an impressive 70% of its land under forest cover. This mountainous country is relatively compact, measuring 150 kilometers from north to south and 300 kilometers from east to west. As the world’s last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan is steeped in rich cultural heritage and tradition. In 2008, the country took a significant step towards democracy, with its first parliamentary elections, a gift from His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Today, Bhutan’s economy is driven primarily by tourism and hydropower, with a notable GDP growth rate of 5.5% in 2019. As a nation that prioritizes Gross National Happiness, Bhutan has captivated the hearts of travelers worldwide, earning its reputation as the “last Shangri-La”.