 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|Introduction|Geography|Climate |History |Religion |People|Culture |Arts & Crafts|Architecture |Economy |Environment |
Introduction
Bhutan is a small country in the eastern Himalayas between China and
India. It has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world.
The terrain is among the most rugged and mountainous in the world, as
most of the country lies along the Himalayan range. The land rises from
the plains of India at about 100 meters above sea level in the south
to more than 7500 meters above sea level in the north. This great range
of altitudinal zones and varied climatic conditions makes it possible
to have the most diverse flora and fauna. Bhutan has been marked as
one of the ten global "hot spots" on Earth by the World Wildlife Fund.
Top
About the size of Switzerland with a population about 750,000 people, live in close harmony with nature, evolved a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image to visitors of the country is the architecture. All buildings, whether large monasteries and private, must conform to traditional design. The nation is also a bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, and the teachings of this tradition influence all aspects of life in the kingdom.
Bhutan is becoming increasingly known for its untouched culture, its pristine ecology and wildlife, and the unparalleled scenic beauty of its majestic peaks and lush valleys. It is still, in many ways, a magical kingdom of the past. Nearly everyone who visits Bhutan will be awed by the unsurpassed majesty of the Himalayas.
Geography
The 46,500 sq. km of superficial area lies between 88 degree 45' East to 92 degree 10' East in longitude and 26 degree 40' North to 28 degree 15' North in latitude, roughly 150 km north to south and 300 km east to west. The terrain is among the most rugged and mountainous in the world, as most of the country lies along the Himalayan range. The land rises from the plains of India at about 100 meters above sea level in the south to more than 7500 meters above sea level in the north.
It is divided into three zones: the high Himalayas of north with alpine climate with snow all the year round, the hills and valleys of central region with cool temperate climate and foothills and plains of south with hot & humid climate.
TopClimate
The country can be divided into three climatic zones. The north alpine region that includes mountains higher than 3000 meters above sea level, the temperate zone known as the inner Himalayas of altitudes ranging between 2000 to 3000 meters where most of the Bhutanese live, and the southern tropical belt (100-2000) that receives around 5000 millimeter of summer monsoon rain. The southern belt is hot and humid in summer but pleasant in winter. The climate is moderate in the temperate zone where the day temperature never gets to the extreme. The northern region is cold and dry. However, climate can vary considerably between valleys and within valleys depending on the altitude. Thimphu for example is cold and dry in winter while Punakha is warm. Bhutan has four seasons. Spring (March-May), Summer (June-August), Autumn (September-November), Winter (December-February)
TopHistory
Ancient stone implements and other archaeological findings indicate that there were settlements in Bhutan dating back to 2000 B.C. The chronicled history of Bhutan, however begins with the advent of Buddhism in the eight century.
In 747 A.D., the Buddhist sage, Padmasambhava, popularly revered in Bhutan as Guru Rinponche or the Precious Master, visited the country and introduced Buddhism. Since then, Buddhism has occupied a predominant role in shaping the social, political, economic and cultural evolution of the country.
In the 17th century, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1652), a leader of the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism consolidated the country under a unified power. By the end of the 17th century, the country 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 effected by internal dissent. External threats in the later half of the 19th century added a new dimension to the political quandary. It was against this background that the need for strong leadership emerged. Peace and stability were restored with the enthronement of His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuk (1907-1926). On December 17, 1907 with the signing and sealing of the Oath of Allegiance in a grand ceremony in Punakha Dzong, Ugyen Wangchuk became the first hereditary monarch of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The monarchy has thrived ever since and the present King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the first King's great grandson, commands the overwhelming support of the his people. Since his coronation in 1974, the present King has dedicated himself to defining and realising a long-term vision and direction for the country. He set up a system of Government, which is responsive to the political, social and development needs of the country. He also pursued a process of democratization and involvement of the people in their own affairs from the national to the community level. His Majesty's philosophy and approach have been clearly established and recognized, enhancing the country's identity and role in the international community.
TopReligion
The state religion of Bhutan is the Drukpa sect Kagyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Ever since its introduction in the eighth century, Buddhism has shaped the nation's history and played a vital part in the life of its people. Throughout Bhutan, from the most densely populated valleys to the most remote mountain way stops, religious monuments and symbols bear witness to a deep and respected faith. One comes across prayer wheels, prayer flags and the sacred mantra Om mani Padme Hung carved on the slabs of stone and rocky hillside.
Chortens (stupas) housing the sacred relics dot the landscape, Monasteries and temples some dating back to as early as the eighth century, are the focal point of each village.
TopThe People
Bhutanese people are friendly and hospitable people. Bhutan's population is, in many ways, one large family. More than 90 percent of the people live on subsistence farming, scattered in sparsely populated villages across the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.
With rice as the staple diet in the lower regions, and wheat, buckwheat, and maize in the other valleys, the people farm narrow terrances cut into the steep hill slopes. Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys with limited communication in the past. It is for this reason that the sense of individuality and independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people.
It is for the same reason that, despite the small population, it has developed a number of languages and dialects. The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humour. Hospitality is an in-built social value in Bhutan.
TopCulture
Unlike many countries, traditional arts, age-old ceremonies, festivals, social conduct and structures are not remnants of a bygone age. Traditional arts and crafts are still practiced as they were done hundreds of years ago, vibrant festivals are celebrated and social principles are still evident because they continue to have a special significance in the daily lives of the people.
Bhutanese language and literature, arts and crafts, drama, music, ceremonies and events, architecture, and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from Buddhism. Just as the Kingdom's history is characterized by religious landmarks, the influence of religion is highly visible in everyday life. Hundreds of sacred monasteries, stupas, religious institutions, prayer flags and prayer wheels mark the countryside, providing a strong infrastructure and atmosphere for the teachings of their living faith.
Bhutan's traditional culture is alive in its performing arts, such as dance and music which are an integral part of religious ceremonies. In addition, secular performances, such as dance, songs, traditional instrumental music, drama based on biographies of religious personalities hold a special place in the lives of the people as they play an important role in national, village, or domestic functions and festivals. Bhutan's textile tradition has, in recent years, gone international. The distinct technique, colour and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving is being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors and users.
TopArts & Crafts
The most exciting and vital aspects of the Bhutanese tradition and heritage are found in its arts and crafts. Much of Bhutan's spiritual and intellectual life is manifested through its arts. Bhutanese arts are not primarily concerned with abstract concepts of 'beauty' (that may appeal to few), but with interpretation of values and beliefs that are held by the vast majority and which embody the eternal stream of life or consciousness. It is a subjective process deeply imbued with a strong sense of morality, with many art forms epitomizing the eternal struggle between forces of good and evil.
Bhutanese art and crafts, particularly those that are religious in their thematic content follow strict iconography rules. Merit can be earned only if the prescribed rules are strictly followed. The use of creative energy is used mostly in secular artistic ventures. Zorig Chosum or the 13 aspects of Bhutanese arts and crafts includes shinzo (woodwork), dozo (stonework), jinzo (clay crafts), lugzo (bronze casting), parzo (wood, slate and stone carving), lazo (painting), shagzo (wood turning), garzo (Black smithy), troeko (silver and goldsmithy), tsharzo (bamboo and cane crafts), dhezo (papermaking), thagzo (weaving) and tshemzo (tailoring). The skill of Bhutan's craftsmen, working with bronze, silver and other fine metals, is seen in myriad ways: statues of deities, doors and pillars of temples, bells, trumpets, swords, tables, candlesticks, rice boxes, and jewelry.
Wooden crafts include a wealth of items from bowls to finely worked bamboo hats, baskets, butter containers, and bows and arrows.
TopArchitecture
Architecture is also a significant feature of the Bhutanese identity. Dzongs (fortresses), Lhakhangs (temples), Goenpas (monasteries), chortens (stupas), palaces, bridges and vernacular housing that can be seen across the countryside form the diverse but harmonious architectural expressions of the cultural heritage and living traditions of the Bhutanese people. The unmatched combination of engineering skill and aesthetic beauty is reflected in all structures. Traditional shapes, colours and patterns on the walls, doors, windows, places Bhutanese architecture in a class of its own.
The Dzong represents a unique architectural marvel. Hundreds of wooden planks are joined together without a single nail and no formal architectural plan goes into its construction.
Secular architecture in Bhutan finds its main form in traditional farmhouses. Bhutanese houses have a distinct character from those of other Himalayan countries. Due to steep terrains, they are usually built as scattered houses or in clusters, rather than in rows. Most traditional houses are relatively spacious and take advantage of the natural sunlight. Windows and doors are normally painted giving the house a very festive appearance. Floral, animal and religious motifs are mainly used as themes for colourful paintings. The typical construction materials used in traditional Bhutanese houses are timber, stone, clay and bricks.
TopEconomy
Agriculture and livestock raising are the mainstay of the economy. They contribute about 45% to GNP. More than 90% of the people live on subsistence farming. Forestry contributes 15% to GNP and industry and mining 10%. Hydroelectric power is a most important resource, with some electricity being exported to India. Tourism is a significant, and it is the country's largest source of foreign exchange.
TopEnvironment
Bhutan has been identified as one of the 10 bio-diversity hot spots in the world and as one of the 221 global endemic bird areas. Almost three fourths of land area is covered by forests of temperate and sub-tropical species that are a natural habitat for a diversity of flora and fauna. Its various eco-systems harbour some of the most exotic species of the eastern Himalayas. An estimated 770 species of birds and over 50 species of rhododendron, along with an astonishing variety of medicinal plants (over 300 species) and orchids are endemic to this region. There are about 5,500 plant species per 10,000 square kilometers.
Nine national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are home to some of the rarest and most significant animals in the world. This has become possible as a result of the combined efforts of the government and the people to keep the country's flora and fauna undisturbed. The exact number of mammalian species is unknown but over 169 have been reported. Rare animals like golden langur, takin and snow leopard are found distributed widely. Tiger, leopard, elephant, red panda, gaur, serow, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, wild pig, musk deer are some large mammals found in many parts of Bhutan. The Phobjikha valley in Wangdue district and Bomdiling in Yangtse are two of the three wintering grounds for the rare Blacked-necked crane.
26 per cent of the country's total area has been declared as nature parks and reserves. These form a haven for a number of the world's rare and endangered species. Very recently, another nine percent of the country has been set aside as biological corridors connecting protected areas. The corridors form a "Gift to the Earth" from the people of Bhutan. Bhutan is one of very few developing countries where much of the natural resource base remains intact.
Top |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
All content and photography within this website is copyrighted. It is illegal to copy any portion of this site without written permission of Bhutan Eco-Expedition