Page last updated on January 31, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned to Bhutan the areas annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New Delhi. Elections for seating the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008; the king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008. The disposition of some 43,000 Bhutanese refugees - housed in two UN refugee camps in Nepal - remains unresolved.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Southern Asia, between China and India
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
27 30 N, 90 30 E
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Asia
Area:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 38,394 sq km
country comparison to the world: 137
land: 38,394 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
about one-half the size of Indiana
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 1,075 km
border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (landlocked)
Climate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas
Terrain:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m
highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 2.49%
permanent crops: 0.46%
other: 97.06% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
319.1 sq km (2010)
Total renewable water resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
78 cu km (2011)
Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 0.34 cu km/yr (5%/1%/94%)
per capita: 458 cu m/yr (2008)
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
soil erosion; limited access to potable water
Environment - international agreements:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Bhutanese
Ethnic groups:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Sharchhopka 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26%
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
725,296 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 166
note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first modern census of Bhutan, conducted in 2005; previous Factbook population estimates for this country, which were on the order of three times the total population reported here, were based on Bhutanese government publications that did not include the census
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 27.8% (male 102,991/female 98,730)
15-24 years: 20.6% (male 76,202/female 73,273)
25-54 years: 39.9% (male 155,216/female 134,363)
55-64 years: 5.7% (male 22,295/female 19,285)
65 years and over: 5.9% (male 22,546/female 20,395) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Dependency ratios:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total dependency ratio: 48.9 %
youth dependency ratio: 41.8 %
elderly dependency ratio: 7.1 %
potential support ratio: 14 (2013)
Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 25.7 years
male: 26.3 years
female: 25.1 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.15% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 102
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18.43 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 105
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6.88 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 138
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 80
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 35.6% of total population (2011)
rate of urbanization: 3.65% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Major urban areas - population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
THIMPHU (capital) 99,000 (2011)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.16 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.16 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.11 male(s)/female
total population: 1.1 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Maternal mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
180 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)
country comparison to the world: 59
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 39.97 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 57
male: 40.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 39.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 68.44 years
country comparison to the world: 159
male: 67.54 years
female: 69.38 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.07 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 118
Contraceptive prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
65.6% (2010)
Health expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.1% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 162
Physicians density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.07 physicians/1,000 population (2008)
Hospital bed density:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.8 beds/1,000 population (2011)
Drinking water source:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
Sanitation facility access:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
improved:
unimproved:
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.2% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 95
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 144
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fewer than 100 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 127
Major infectious diseases:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
degree of risk: high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria (2013)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.3% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 154
Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12.7% (2010)
country comparison to the world: 59
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.7% of GDP (2011)
country comparison to the world: 83
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 52.8%
male: 65%
female: 38.7% (2005 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 12 years
male: 12 years
female: 12 years (2011)
Child labor - children ages 5-14:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total number: 25,801
percentage: 18 % (2010 est.)
Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 7.2%
country comparison to the world: 127
male: 7.3%
female: 7.2% (2012)
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan
conventional short form: Bhutan
local long form: Druk Gyalkhap
local short form: Druk Yul
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
constitutional monarchy
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Thimphu
geographic coordinates: 27 28 N, 89 38 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
previous (various royal decrees); first constitution drafted November 2001 - March 2005, ratified 18 July 2008 (2011)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
civil law based on Buddhist religious law
International law organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 and his son immediately succeeded him; the nearly two-year delay between the former King's abdication and his son's coronation on 6 November 2008 was to ensure an astrologically auspicious coronation date and to give the new king, who had limited experience, deeper administrative expertise under the guidance of his father
head of government: Prime Minister Tshering TOBGAY (since July 2013)
cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Zhungtshog) nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; the leader of the majority party is nominated as the prime minister
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: the monarchy is hereditary, but the 2008 constitution grants the Parliament authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote; election of a new National Assembly occurred in March 2008
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
bicameral Parliament or Chi Tshog consists of the non-partisan National Council or Gyelyong Tshogde (25 seats; 20 members elected by each of the 20 administrative districts (dzongkhags) for four-year terms and 5 members appointed by the king); and the National Assembly or Tshogdu (47 seats; members nominated by the two parties and elected by direct, popular vote for five-year terms)
elections: National Council elections last held on 23 April 2013 (next to be held in 2017); National Assembly elections (first round) last held on 31 May 2013; second round held on 13 July 2013
election results: National Council - independents 20; note - all candidates ran as independents; National Assembly - first round poll held on 31 May 2013 - percent of vote by party - DPT 44.52%; PDP 32.53%; DNT 17.04%; DCT 5.9%; second round poll held on 13 July 2013 - percent of vote by party - PDP 54.88%, DPT 45.12%; seats by party - PDP 32, DPT 15
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 5 justices including the chief justice )
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the monarch in consultation with the National Judicial Commission; other judges appointed by the monarch from among the High Court judges selected by the National Judicial Commission; judge tenure NA
subordinate courts: High Court (first appellate court); District or Dzongkhag Courts; sub-district or Dungkhag Courts
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT [Jigme THINLEY]; People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering TOBGAY]; Druk Nymrub Tshogpa or DNT; Druck Chirwang Tshogpa or DCT
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
United Front for Democracy (exiled); Druk National Congress (exiled)
other: Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the UN is Lhatu WANGCHUK (since January 2009); address: 343 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the orange is associated with Buddhism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
thunder dragon known as Druk
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom)
lyrics/music: Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI
note: adopted 1953
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Bhutan's economy, small and less developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 40% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and is dependent on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government''s desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. The import of equipment and fuel to build hydropower plants is leading to large trade and current account deficits, though new hydropower projects and electricity exports to India are creating employment and will probably sustain growth in the coming years. GDP has rebounded strongly since the global recession began in 2008.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$4.88 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 171
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$2.137 billion (2012 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
9.2% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 11
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$6,600 (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 141
note: data are in 2012 US dollars
GDP - composition, by end use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
household consumption: 38.8%
government consumption: 21.5%
investment in fixed capital: 60.5%
investment in inventories: 0.3%
exports of goods and services: 32.1%
imports of goods and services: -53.2%
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 14.7%
industry: 41.8%
services: 39% (2012 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
rice, corn, root crops, citrus; dairy products, eggs
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12.4%
country comparison to the world: 9
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
299,900
country comparison to the world: 165
note: major shortage of skilled labor (2008)
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 43.7%
industry: 39.1%
services: 17.2% (2004 est.)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4% (2009)
country comparison to the world: 32
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
23.2% (2008)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 37.6% (2003)
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $615.7 million
expenditures: $651.2 million
note: the government of India finances nearly one-quarter of Bhutan's budget expenditures (2012 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
28.8% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-1.7% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 78
Public debt:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
44.1% of GDP (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 78
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 July - 30 June
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
10.9% (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 204
Central bank discount rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14% (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 54
Stock of narrow money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$191.9 million (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 178
Stock of broad money:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.018 billion (31 December 2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 169
Stock of domestic credit:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$874.4 million (31 December 2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156
Market value of publicly traded shares:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$NA
Current account balance:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$-311.6 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 93
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$721.8 million (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 167
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.28 billion (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 175
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.275 billion (2011)
country comparison to the world: 153
Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$63.5 million
country comparison to the world: 104
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.23 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.68 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 143
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
5.4 billion kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 27
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
20 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 103
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.505 million kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 116
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.1% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 204
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
98.9% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 6
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 161
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 157
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 92
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 165
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 110
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 158
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1,719 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 193
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 156
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1,998 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 181
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 123
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 166
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 118
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
335,700 Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 186
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
27,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 179
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
560,000 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 165
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: urban towns and district headquarters have telecommunications services
domestic: low teledensity; domestic service is poor especially in rural areas; mobile-cellular service, started in 2003, is now widely available
international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2012)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
state-owned TV station established in 1999; cable TV service offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 5 private radio stations are currently broadcasting (2012)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.bt
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14,590 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 126
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
50,000 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 174
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 198
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2013)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2012)
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 8,050 km
country comparison to the world: 140
paved: 4,991 km (includes 622 km of expressways)
unpaved: 3,059 km (2003)
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan Police) (2009)
Military service age and obligation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; militia training is compulsory for males aged 20-25, over a 3-year period (2012)
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 202,407
females age 16-49: 180,349 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 157,664
females age 16-49: 144,861 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 7,363
female: 7,095 (2010 est.)