Overview: The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small, landlocked nation of South Asia, located in the Himalaya Mountains, sandwiched between India and the People's Republic of China. The local name for the country, Druk Yul (pronounced dru ü), means "land of the thunder dragon". The southern part of the country has a lower altitude, and contains several fertile and densely forested valleys that flow down into the Brahmaputra river in India. Over 70% of the country is forested. The majority of the population lives in the central highlands.

Basic facts:
Total Area: 47,000 sq km Capital: Thimphu Population: 2,049,412 (2001)
Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains, cool winters and hot summers in central valleys and severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas
Ethnic groups: Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15% Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Languages: Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects
Currency: Ngultrum (BTN); Indian Rupee (INR)

Demography and religions: About half of the population is composed of indigenous Bhutanese, known as the Ngalop, who are closely related to Tibetan tribes. Major ethnic groups are the Sharchop, also of Tibetan descent. The Lhotshampa, of Nepali descent, are economic immigrants from the 1950s. About 45 percent of Bhutan’s population is under 15 years old, and about 63 percent is under 25 years.

The official religion of Bhutan is the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism, which is adhered to by 75% of the population. A further 20-25% of the Bhutanese are Hindus.

Christianity in Bhutan: As the official religion is Mahayana sect of Bhuddism and the freedom and unity of country is constructed upon its principles, other religions are iornically controlled. Especially the Christian missions are discouraged and many a times persecuted. The Christian population is 0.33% and majority of them are tribes and Nepaleese migrated from India. Until 1965, christianity was completely banned. The restriction was released a little for few years since 1965 but again gone back to the earlier state soon.

The Christian teachers and employees from India has led many to Christ over the threat of persecution and imprisonment. Bhutan Government calls for NGO ventures in education and health sectors but 100% against any evangelization move either directly or indirectly.

PGT in Bhutan: PGT has a number of Churches along the India - Bhutan border. As PGT believes 'nothing is impossible to God', we have targeted Bhutan for Christ, through strategic initiatives. Faithful God has provided 2 acres of land and a training centre is in the final stage to train desciples for the mission in Bhutan. PGT teams and border Church believers makes trips to Bhutan through the open borders, networks with the believers in Bhutan, shares Gospel and conducts meetings.

To know more about our Bhutan Gospel venture, write to us or e-mail us >>.

Economy and Social life: The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture, forestry, and the sale of hydro-electric power to India (which is reported to supply 75% of government revenue). Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. Incomes of over BTN100,000 per annum are taxed, but very few wage and salary earners qualify.

Bhutan's main economic partner is India, as its border with Tibet is closed. Bhutan's currency, the Ngultrum, is interchangeable with the Indian Rupee. The industrial sector is minimal, with any production being of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian contract labour. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources.

Model educational, social, and environmental programmes in Bhutan are underway, with support from multilateral development organisations, always taking Bhutan's wish for preservation of its traditions into account. The government has made some progress in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare, though detailed controls and uncertain policies in many areas continue to hamper foreign investment. Major hydroelectric projects will lead expansion of the economy.

Major Issues in Bhutan:

Ethnic rivalry between Bhots and Nepalese: bility such as; rapid increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Rising Trend in Commercial Sex, Substance Abuse, Less Rigid Sexual Norms and Relation, High Mobility, Youthful Population, Porous Borders with concentrated HIV epidemic.

Ethnic rivalry between Bhots and Nepalese: bility such as; rapid increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Rising Trend in Commercial Sex, Substance Abuse, Less Rigid Sexual Norms and Relation, High Mobility, Youthful Population, Porous Borders with concentrated HIV epidemic.

HIV/AIDS: Three HIV-positive cases were detected between 1993 and 1995, six between 1996 and 1998, and 29 between 1999 and 2002. Seven people have reportedly died. Half of the reported infected people are in Thimpu, the capital, and in Phoensoling, a bustling commercial town in the Himalayan foothills bordering West Bengal, India.Despite an estimated low prevalence rate, there are mounting concerns because of the significant presence of risk factors and vulnerability such as; rapid increase in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Rising Trend in Commercial Sex, Substance Abuse, Less Rigid Sexual Norms and Relation, High Mobility, Youthful Population, Porous Borders with concentrated HIV epidemic.

ALCOHOL & DRUGS: Alcohol is readily available in Bhutan, at home and in retail shops. It is inexpensive. It is also widely used for social functions and carries no stigma. By the regular consumption at home, even by children, in many parts of the country makes the youth dependent at an early age. Variety of drugs abusing habits are prevailing and being transplanted to the country through the borders.