People & Cultural
Bhutan has a population of 634982 , 30.89 % of the population lives is urban areas with the capital being Thimphu. The population’s religion is primarily Mahayana Buddhist and individuals are considered members of either the Ngalops group or Sharchops group. The balance of the population is Nepali / Hindu. Bhutan’s neighbors are India in the south, Tibet in the north and northwest. Bhutan lies between the latitudes of --. Bhutan became a member of the United Nations in 1972.
. Traditional garb for men is called gho and for women kira . It is worn in religious and administrative offices and establishments, schools etc and is to preserve the national identity of Bhutan. Other places you will also see Bhutanese wearing western jeans and clothing.
The main dish of Bhutan is rice served with spicy chilies and cheese called ema datsi. Restaurants serve Indian, Continental, Chinese and Bhutanese cuisine. Although Bhutan is a Buddhist nation poultry, yak and beef, fish, pork is eaten. It is usually accompanied with a hearty portion of rice and corn that are considered staple foods. Tea and butter tea are very popular and rice wine and beer is offered during dinners. Tobacco is illegal.Use of tobacco and tobacco products in public places is banned.
The national sport of Bhutan is archery with tournaments regularly begin held. Men play archery using the traditional bamboo bows and arrows but the modern hi-tech bows and arrows imported from USA is also very popularly used. Shotput, digor, and soccer are also very popular sports.
Language
Dzongkha is the official national language of Bhutan, however there are as many as 19 different dialects and numerous languages spoken in the many isolated parts of Bhutan, each one completely different from the other. The majority of the people are fluent in spoken and written English and it is widely spoken in the major towns. Bhutan’s written language is Chhokey. The population has a 59.5%literacy rate. English is the medium of instruction in all schools and most Bhutanese speak fluent English.
Arts and Crafts
Traditionally Bhutan has 13 arts and crafts, known as the “Zorig Chuesum”. “Zorig” means different crafts and “Chuesum” means thirteen. All Bhutanese art, dance and music originates from its Buddhist religious roots and follows strict iconographic rules. The Government of Bhutan is focused on preserving and reviving the ancient arts with the school of Arts and Crafts in Thimphu. Young students can learn traditional boot making, pottery, embroidery, weaving, sculpting, painting, carving, carpentry , bamboo work, masonry, leather work, paper making and gold , silver and bronze and black smithry.
Bhutan also has a unique architecture that is distinct to the region. Bhutanese architecture has an unmatched combination of engineering skills and aesthetic beauty that is reflected in all its structures. It is a significant feature of Bhutanese identity and the dzongs and temples, stupas, houses are diverse and harmonious examples of Bhutanese architecture.