Results for "Takin"
Countries Encyclopedia Entry 1776364744
Bhutan is a small, landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas, known for its unique blend of Buddhist culture and pristine natural beauty.
GeographyCountries Encyclopedia Entry 1776144484
Bhutan is a small, landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas, known for its unique blend of Buddhist culture, stunning natural beauty, and commitment to sustainable development.
GeographyCountries Encyclopedia Entry 1780238782
** Bhutan, a small, landlocked country in the Himalayas, is known for its unique approach to development, prioritizing **Gross National Happiness** over economic growth, and its stunning natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan mountains and lush forests. **CONTENT:** ## Overview Bhutan is a country nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, bordered by India to the south, east, and west, and China to the north. With a total area of approximately 38,394 square kilometers (14,824 square miles), Bhutan is one of the smallest countries in the world. The country's unique geography, with towering mountains and deep valleys, creates a diverse range of ecosystems, supporting a wide variety of flora and fauna. Bhutan's population is approximately 771,608 people, with the majority being ethnic Ngalop, followed by ethnic Lhotshampa, and other smaller groups. Bhutan is a country with a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its Buddhist traditions and its unique approach to development. The country's government has prioritized **Gross National Happiness** (GNH) over economic growth, recognizing that a happy and content population is essential for sustainable development. This approach has led to the preservation of Bhutan's natural environment, cultural heritage, and traditional way of life. ## History/Background Bhutan's history dates back to the 8th century, when Buddhist monks from India introduced Buddhism to the region. The country's early history was marked by the rise of the **Sakya** and **Pema** dynasties, which played a significant role in shaping Bhutan's culture and politics. In the 17th century, the **Dragpa** dynasty came to power, and under the leadership of **Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal**, Bhutan became a unified country. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is credited with introducing the concept of **Drukpa** Buddhism, which remains the dominant form of Buddhism in Bhutan today. In the 19th century, Bhutan faced numerous challenges, including the invasion of the **British East India Company** and the subsequent signing of the **Treaty of Sinchula** in 1865. This treaty marked the beginning of Bhutan's relationship with the British, which would continue until Bhutan's independence was recognized in 1910. In the 20th century, Bhutan underwent significant modernization, with the introduction of education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. ## Key Information * **Capital:** Thimphu * **Language:** Dzongkha (official), English (widely spoken) * **Currency:** Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN) * **Population:** approximately 771,608 people * **Area:** 38,394 square kilometers (14,824 square miles) * **Government:** Constitutional monarchy * **Economy:** Agriculture, hydropower, tourism * **Religion:** Buddhism (Drukpa) * **National Animal:** Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) * **National Bird:** Raven (Corvus corax) ## Significance Bhutan's unique approach to development, prioritizing **Gross National Happiness** over economic growth, has made it a model for sustainable development. The country's commitment to preserving its natural environment, cultural heritage, and traditional way of life has led to the preservation of its stunning natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan mountains and lush forests. Bhutan's cultural significance lies in its rich Buddhist traditions, which have shaped its art, architecture, and way of life. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Kingdom of Bhutan - **Type:** Country - **Date:** 1910 (independence recognized) - **Location:** Himalayas, South Asia - **Known For:** Unique approach to development, prioritizing **Gross National Happiness** TAGS: Bhutan, Gross National Happiness, Himalayas, Buddhism, Drukpa, Takin, Raven, Sustainable Development, Cultural Heritage.