Overview
The King guarantees freedom of religion. 75-percent of the population practices Buddhism. About 25-percent of the population practices Hinduism. Less than 1-percent of the population practices Islam, Christianity, or other religions.
|
Bhutan is a land-locked country. Its southern border is shared with India and the northern border is shared with China. As of 2018, the population is 817,054.
|
There are over 20 languages spoken throughout Bhutan. The official language is Dzongkha. Nepali and various Tibetan dialects are also spoken in Bhutan. English is a second language as it is used in education; it is considered a necessary foreign language.
|
Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral parliament. The current Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) is Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck; he is the head of state. The current Prime Minister is Tshering Tobgay, who is a part of the People’s Democratic Party.
|
Education is not mandatory due to families living far from schools and their decision to follow more traditional lifestyles. 90-percent of primary students finish the school year. Many students do not attend a secondary school; only 65-percent of secondary students finish the school year. Wealthy families typically send their children to boarding schools abroad. All education is conducted in English. (Education System in Bhutan 2012)
|
A. Chu
|
Winter
|
2018
|