- One of 43 landlocked countries in the world, Bhutan is about half the size of the state of Indiana
- Bhutan translates to “Edge of the Earth.”
- Bhutan is the first country in the world with specific constitutional obligations on its people to protect the environment. Among its requirements: at least 60 percent of the nation must remain under forest cover at all times.
- One-third of Bhutan’s population is under the age of 14; its median age is 23.4 years.
- Thimphu is one of just two capital cities in Asia that does not have a single traffic light. The other is Pyongyang, North Korea.
- Bhutan is the only nation in the world where the sale of tobacco is banned.
- At 24,840 feet, Gangkhar Puensum is the highest point in Bhutan – and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
- Anyone found guilty of killing a highly endangered and culturally sacred black-necked crane could be sentenced to life in prison.
- Bhutan is one of the last countries in the world to introduce television to its people. The government lifted a ban on TV – and on the
- Internet – only in 1999.
- A Bhutanese is not allowed to wear pants while visiting government offices, and during official and religious functions.
