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%