Introduction to Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalaya Mountains and bordered to the south, east and west by the Republic of India and to the north by Tibet( China). The total area of the country is currently 38,394 square kilometres (14,824 sq mi).
Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the Himalayan heights in the north, with some peaks exceeding 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). The state religion is Mahayana Buddhism, and the population of 691,141 is predominantly Buddhist, with Hinduism being the second-largest religion. The capital and largest city is Thimphu. After centuries of direct monarchic rule, Bhutan held its first democratic elections in March 2008
Bhutan used to be one of the most isolated countries in the world. Developments including direct international flights, the Internet, mobile phone networks, and cable television have increasingly modernized the urban areas of the country. Bhutan balanced modernization with its ancient culture and traditions under the guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
The Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck introduced significant political reforms, transferring most of his administrative powers to the Council of Cabinet Ministers and allowing for impeachment of the King by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly
On November 6, 2008, 28-year old Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, eldest son of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, was crowned King after his father's abdication thus marking a new era in the history of this Himalayan kingdom.
In March 2008 Elections for the Lower House ( National Assembly ) were held and Jigme Thinley of Druk Phuensum Tshogpa won the elections making him the first elected Prime Minister of Bhutan.
Religion, Culture and Tradition:
The main religion of the Bhutanese refugees is Hinduism (estimated at 60%) followed by other religions including Buddhism, Kirat and Christianity respectively. As far as marriage goes, there is some cultural practice whereby young girls and young boys select their partners and later consult their parents accordingly. In many cases parents do agree and love marriages take place. Arranged marriage still exists although this is mainly practiced among the pre-literate and elderly population.
Married women wear a ‘sindoor’ which is a mark on the top of the forehead made from vermilion and other herbs. Additionally, it is common to wear a ‘bindi’ which is a decoration wore between the eyebrows worn by both married and single women.
The caste system is prevalent and very complex among the elderly Bhutanese refugees. The young generations are more liberal and adapting to western values. Inter-caste marriage is common among the new generation and the evils of caste system is slowing disappearing from the community.
Polygamy and child marriage are increasingly less prevalent but were initially common among the Bhutanese refugee population. Hindus practice cremation; Buddhists and Kirats bury their dead. It is common for babies and small children to wear eye make-up, bangles and earrings.
The younger generation wear Western style clothing. Older women wear the Nepalese style sari and men wear the daura suruwal. Bhutanese, like Nepalis, always take their shoes off before entering one’s home.
Bhutanese refugees generally eat two meals per day-lunch and dinner and drink plenty of tea. Daily diet consists of rice and lentils and vegetables. Many eat meat( Hindus don't eat beef), chicken and fish. Traditionally Bhutanese refugees eat with their hands.