Bhutan Facts & Worksheets

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Bhutan is a small kingdom located on the eastern side of the Himalayas, situated between China and India. The country’s beautiful landscapes are dominated with mountains and valleys.

See the fact file below for more information on Bhutan, or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Bhutan worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Etymology

• Bhutan was known by a variety of names in the past; in the 17th century, it was called “Druk Yul” which means “Land of the Thunder Dragon”.
• Some of its other names from ancient times include “Lho Mon” (Southern Land of Darkness), “Lho Tsendenjong” (Southern Land of the Sandalwood), “Lhomen Khazhi” (Southern Land of Four Approaches), and “Lho Men Jong” (Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs).
• Some say it was derived from the Sanskrit word “Bhu-uttan”, which means “high land” and is accurate considering that the majority of the country’s physical landscape consists of steep, high mountains.

Historical Background

• As early as 1,500 – 2,000 BCE it is believed that Bhutan was already inhabited due to the presence of stone tools, weapons, elephants, and remains of large stone structures.
• Most documents were burned when fire wrecked the historic capital of Punakha in 1827, which is why most of the early Bhutanese history is lost.
• Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel first brought about the country’s unification in the 17th century. After crossing the border from Tibet into Bhutan, he solidified his rule, put an end to three Tibetan assaults, and created a thorough legal and political framework. After his death, his form of government began to falter, and the nation descended into civil war between the different local warlords. This persisted until 1907, when Trongsa Penlop Ugyen Wangchuck was able to seize power and install himself as Bhutan’s first hereditary monarch with the help of the population. His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck founded the Wangchuck Dynasty, which still reigns today, and became the first Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King).
• It was only in the 1970s that Bhutan opened up to outsiders.
• The monarchy continued until 2008, before the Fourth King stepped down and democracy was proclaimed.  
• As of now, Bhutan is a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy. The king is the head of state and executive power is vested in the cabinet headed by a prime minister.

Geographical Location and Climate

• It is a sovereign nation with a total land area of 38,394 km², making it one of the smallest countries in Asia.
• Its altitude zones can be divided into 3: Greater Himalayas of the north, the hills and valleys of the the Inner Himalayas, and the foothills and plains of the Sub-Himalayan zone.
• The country experiences a diverse climate due to the drastic elevations. The southern part of the country at the foothills of the Himalayas has a subtropical climate. The central part with valleys tends to have cool winters and hot summers, while the northern part closest to the alpines with snow-capped mountains is cold even in summer.
• There are four seasons in Bhutan. Spring is from March to May, summer is from June to August, fall is from September to November, and winter is from December to February.
• It is best to visit the country in spring, when the valleys are alive with blooming flowers.

National Symbols

• The flag of Bhutan is divided diagonally into two colors. The upper yellow half stands for the secular power and the king’s sovereignty while the orange color signifies the practice of religion and the power of Buddhism. The dragon symbolizes the name and the purity of the country while the jewels in the claws of the dragon stand for the wealth and perfection of the country.
• The national emblem of Bhutan is a circle with a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus flower. The thunderbolt signifies the harmony between secular and religious power while the lotus flower symbolizes purity. The two dragons (male and female) represent the name of the country “DrukYul” which means “Land of the Dragon”.
• The national sport of Bhutan is archery, also called “Dha”. The bow and arrow play a significant role in most Bhutanese mythology. It became the national sport of Bhutan in 1971 when Bhutan became a member of the United Nations. The country also has an Olympic archery team. The sport is commonly played during public holidays and religious festivals (or “tshechus”).
• The takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It is an animal with a very thick neck and muscular legs. Like the raven, it is also associated with religious and mythological references.
• The raven is the national bird of Bhutan. It represents one of the chief guardian deities of the country, Gonpo Jarodongchen.
• The cypress is the national tree of Bhutan. It can survive on rugged and harsh terrains, and that is why it signifies bravery and simplicity. Large cypresses are often noticed near temples and monasteries across Bhutan.
• The blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan. It usually grows to a height of up to 1 meter and is most commonly found above the tree line on terrains of rocky mountains.
• Although Bhutan is one of the least populated and smallest countries in the world, it has a well-preserved unique culture that has been protected and nurtured through the years.
• Bhutan keeps its traditions and culture alive by adhering to “Driglam Namzha”. This set of etiquette includes things like what to wear, how to eat, talk, bow down, and more. It was first adopted in the 1990s. Bhutan boasts a totally unique character when considering its historic infrastructure, textiles, farming traditions, way of life, and performance of cultural and spiritual rites and ceremonies.

Traditions and Culture

• The traditional clothing worn by Bhutanese people, which has developed over thousands of years, is one of their most defining characteristics. Men dress in what is known as the “Gho”, a knee-length robe that resembles a kimono and is fastened at the waist with a traditional belt called a “Kera, while women wear the “Kira”, a long, ankle-length dress accompanied by a light outer jacket known as a “Tego” with an inner layer known as a “Wonju”.

Language

• “Dzongkha”, meaning the language of the palace, is the national language of Bhutan. In 1971, it became the state language of the country. It is widely spoken in the western region. 
• Bhutan is a multilingual society. The country has 19 different languages and dialects. Besides Dzongkha, there are three other dominant languages – Tshanglakha (also known as Sharchokpa) spoken in eastern Bhutan, Lhotshamkha (also known as Nepali) spoken in the southern region, and Bumthangkha, spoken in central Bhutan. 
• English is widely spoken as it is the medium of instruction in schools. Hindi, the Indian language, is also widely spoken and understood by most Bhutanese because of the influence of Bollywood (Indian cinema).

People

• The challenging topography of Bhutan is one of the main reasons why the ethnic groups have kept their unique and vibrant cultures.
• The majority of the Bhutanese are divided into three main ethnic groups.
• Sharchops are people from the east.
• Ngalops are people from the west. They were the later settlers who migrated from Tibet and brought Buddhism with them.
• Lhotshampas are people from the south.

Traditions: Tshechu Festival

• Bhutan celebrates its biggest festival annually in the capital city, Thimphu. “Tshechu”, a big social gathering, is celebrated for 3 days on the 10th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, usually in September or October.
• The main highlight of the festival are the religious, masked dances also called “cham” performed mainly by monks during the 3-day festivities. They are accompanied with music from drums, cymbals, conch shells, horns, and bells.
• Each cham depicts a story from as far back as the 8th century, narrating the life of the famous yogi Guru Rimpoche who introduced Buddhism in the Himalayas.
• Bhutanese people from different villages and even tourists gather around the capital to witness the performances and celebrations. 
• Many Bhutanese believe that witnessing the dances will cleanse them of their sins and allow them to receive blessings.
• Market stalls are also set up and the locals wear their colorful costumes during the celebration.

Bhutanese Food

• In Bhutan, grains, vegetables, dairy products, and meats such as chicken, pork, and beef are all part of traditional meals.
• Dairy produce, like butter and cheese from the milk of cows and yaks, is also very popular.
• Ema Datsi: This is considered Bhutan’s national dish. It is very spicy as it contains lots of chillies and local cheese called “Datsi”. It is typically served with rice. Variations of this dish may include green beans, ferns, potatoes, and mushrooms.
• Momos: Tibetan-style dumplings stuffed with meat like pork and beef or cabbages and cheese. These are traditionally eaten during special occasions.
• Red rice: Also called “Japonica Red Rice”. Bhutan’s red rice is similar to brown rice and is extremely nutritious and heavy on the stomach. When cooked, it turns pale pink, soft, and slightly sticky. 
• Jasha Maru: A spicy traditional dish with minced chicken, tomatoes, and other ingredients.

Interesting Facts

• The highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Gangkhar Puensum, is located in Bhutan. The mountain is prohibited to climbers because of a local religious ban.
• There are more than 2,700 lakes in Bhutan and the majority of them are glacial lakes.
• There are no traffic lights in Bhutan. In the capital city Thimphu, there is an assigned traffic officer at intersections.
• Bhutan has earned the nickname “Land of the Thunder Dragon” because of the fierce storms that often hit the Himalayas.
• It is the first country in the world to constitutionally obligate its people to protect the environment.
• It is one of the last countries to allow its people to have access to television and the internet.
• Bhutan has a unique way of measuring its prosperity. Instead of considering the gross domestic product of the country, they consider the level of happiness of their citizens. The government has a “Ministry of Happiness” that conducts regular surveys to measure the happiness of the population.

Bhutan Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Bhutan across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching kids about Bhutan, which is a small kingdom located on the eastern side of the Himalayas, situated between China and India.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

• Bhutan Facts
• Fact or Hearsay?
• Bhutan’s National Symbols
• Wardrobe of Bhutan
• Flavors of Bhutan
• Decorate a Tshechu Mask
• What Does It Mean?
• Landscapes of Bhutan
• Glimpse of Bhutan
• Find a Dzong
• In Bhutan

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bhutan a unique country?

Bhutan is a unique country because it is carbon negative and also has beautiful landscapes and wildlife. People in Bhutan are happy with their lives. This is because they are simple and compassionate, which follows Buddhist ideals. Bhutan is also well known for holding some of the most colorful and vibrant festivals in the world, like the famous Paro and Thimphu Festivals.

What language does Bhutan speak?

The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, which is spoken primarily in the country’s western area. Hindi is India’s official language, but it was formerly used in Bhutanese schools. Bhutan is a multilingual nation where over 20 different languages are spoken.

What is the famous food in Bhutan?

Bhutanese people typically eat rice as their main meal, with one or two side dishes of either meat or vegetables. The most popular meats are pork, beef, and chicken, while common veggies include spinach, pumpkins, turnips, and radishes.

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Link will appear as Bhutan Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, August 12, 2022