Country data
Location: Asia
Time zone: CET + 5 (during summer time CET + 4)
Total area: 38,394 km²
Land area: 38,394 km²
Water area: 0 km²
Length of the state border: 1,136 km
Bordering countries:
China: 477 km
India: 659 km
Coastline: 0 km
Capital: Thimphu
Districts: 20
Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang
Electric current: 220 V / 50 Hz
Telephone code: 00 975 (Source: Allcitycodes)
Highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m
Population
Population: approx. 733,000 residents (Countryaah, 2021)
Population growth: 1.1% per year
Population density (residents per km²): 19
Life expectancy: 68 (male), 70 (female)
Official language: Dzongkha
Religions:
- 75% Buddhists
- 22% Hindu
- 3% other
Climate
The climate in Bhutan changes primarily in a north-south direction. In the northern mountain regions, the winters are very severe and the summer months are also quite cold.
Towards the south it goes from a moderate climatic zone to a subtropical to tropical one.
In the months from the beginning of June to mid-September there is often heavy rainfall, especially in the south.
Currency / finance
Currency unit: Ngultrum (BTN))
Classification: 1 ngultrum = 100 chhertum
ATMs: not available
International credit cards: These are rarely accepted in individual hotels.
Regulations: Foreign currencies can be imported and exported in unlimited amounts. The export is limited to the amount of the declared import.
The local currency can be exported up to an amount of 5,000 BTN. Import is prohibited.
The Indian rupee is also a common currency, but may only be imported by Indian nationals.
All exchange receipts should be kept until departure. A maximum of 30% of the exchanged amounts can be exchanged back.
Customs regulations
The following may be carried duty-free:
- 200 cigarettes or 150 g tobacco
- 1 liter of alcoholic beverages
(Information applies to people aged 18 and over)
Tourists and people in transit can bring items of personal use with them duty-free.
Drugs, weapons and plants of all kinds are not allowed to enter Bhutan.
There is an export ban on religious and ancient objects of all kinds.
Items with a high value must be declared upon entry.
In the event of a breach of customs or entry regulations, arrest can be expected.
Travel advice
There is currently no country-specific safety notice for Bhutan.
Economy
The country in the Himalayas is one of the poorest countries on earth and has closed itself off to the outside world for many centuries.
The protection of the environment and nature has a very high priority and is given priority in all projects.
Industries: alcohol production, wood processing, cement
Natural resources: wood, hydropower
Land use:
- Usable land: 2%
- Grain cultivation: 0%
- Pasture area: 6%
- Forests: 66%
- other: 26%