Moving to Bhutan: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

782,318

Population Growth Rate

1.15%

Urban Population

35.600000

Population in Major Urban Areas

THIMPHU (capital) 99,000

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Age Structure

26.270000

Median Age

25.700000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

18

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

6.88

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

2.07

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

65.6%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

65.6%

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.050000

Ethnic Groups

Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%

Nationality Noun

Bhutanese (singular and plural)

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Literacy - total population

47%

Literacy - male

60%

Literacy - female

34%

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

4.7%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

13.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

68.440000

Infant Mortality Rate

39.970000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

39.970000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

180

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.07

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

1.8

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

4%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

High

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

5.3%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

99.400000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

74.500000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

12.8%

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Economic Overview

Bhutan's small economy is based largely on hydropower, agriculture, and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than half the population.

Because rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive, industrial production is primarily of the cottage industry type.

The economy is closely aligned with India's economy through strong trade and monetary links and is dependent on India for financial assistance and migrant laborers for development projects, especially for road construction.

Bhutan signed a pact in December 2014 to expand duty-free trade with Bangladesh.

Multilateral development organizations administer most educational, social, and environmental programs, and take into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions.

For example, the government is cautious in its expansion of the tourist sector, restricting visits to environmentally conscientious tourists.

Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment.

Bhutan’s largest export - hydropower to India - could spur sustainable growth in the coming years if Bhutan resolves chronic delays in construction.

Bhutan’s hydropower exports comprise 40% of total exports and 25% of the government’s total revenue.

Bhutan currently taps only 6.5% of its 24,000-megawatt hydropower potential and is behind schedule in building 12 new hydropower dams with a combined capacity of 10,000 megawatts by 2020 in accordance with a deal signed in 2008 with India.

The high volume of imported materials to build hydropower plants has expanded Bhutan's trade and current account deficits.

Bhutan also signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangladesh and India in July 2017 to jointly construct a new hydropower plant for exporting electricity to Bangladesh.

Industries

Cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$8,100.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

6%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$8,420,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$8,100.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

6%

GDP - official exchange rate

$2,085,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• Consumption: 53.4% Government
• Consumption: 18.7% Investment in Fixed
• Capital: 64.3% Investment in
• Inventories: 0% Exports of Goods and
• Services: 42.4% Imports of Goods and
• Services: -78.8%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

16.4%

GDP by Sector- Industry

42.1%

GDP by Sector- services

41.5%

Industrial Growth Rate

6.5%

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Inflation Rate

2.9%

Exchange Rate per US Dollar

68.39

Currency Name and Code

Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)

Fiscal Year

1 July - 30 June

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

13.7%

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Labor Force

348,800

Unemployment Rate

2.6%

Major Industries

Cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism

Agriculture Products

Rice, corn, root crops, citrus; dairy products, eggs

Population Below Poverty Line

12%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

25,801

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

18%

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Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

57%

Labor Force By Occupation- industry

21%

Labor Force By Occupation- services

22%

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Annual Budget

$640,400,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

30%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

30.7%

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Full Country Name

Kingdom of Bhutan

Country Name

Bhutan

Local - Long

Druk Gyalkhap

Local - Short

Druk Yul

Etymology- history of name

• named after the Bhotia, the ethnic Tibetans who migrated from Tibet to Bhutan
• "Bod" is the Tibetan name for their land
• the Bhutanese name "Druk Yul" means "Land of the Thunder Dragon"

Independence

17 December 1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king); 8 August 1949 (Treaty of Friendship with India maintains Bhutanese independence)

National Holiday

National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)

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Government Type

constitutional monarchy

Constitution

• history: previous governing documents were various royal decrees; first constitution drafted November 2001 to March 2005, ratified 18 July 2008
• amendments: proposed as a motion by simple majority vote in a joint session of Parliament; passage requires at least a three-fourths majority vote in a joint session of the next Parliament and assent by the king

Legal System:

civil law based on Buddhist religious law

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 to his son
• head of government: Prime Minister Lotay TSHERING (since 7 November 2018)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers or Lhengye Zhungtshog members nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve 5-year terms
• elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary but can be removed by a two-thirds vote of Parliament; leader of the majority party in Parliament is nominated as the prime minister, appointed by the monarch

Legislative Branch:

• Description: bicameral Parliament or Chi Tshog consists of: non-partisan National Council or Gyelyong Tshogde (25 seats; 20 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 5 members appointed by the king; members serve 5-year terms) National Assembly or Tshogdu (47 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies in a two-round system; in the primary round, contesting political parties are directly selected by simple majority vote; in the main round, the two top parties in the primary round field candidates who are directly elected by simple majority vote; members serve 5-year terms)
• Elections: National Council - last held on 20 April 2023 (next to be held in 2028) National Assembly - first round held on 30 November 2023 with a runoff on 9 January 2024 (next to be held in 2028)
• election results: National Council - seats by party - independent 20 (all candidates ran as independents) and 5 appointed by the king; composition as of October 2023 - men 22, women 3, percent of women 12%
• National Assembly - percent of vote by party in first round - PDP 42.5%, BTP 19.6%, DPT 14.9%, DNT 13.1% DTT 9.8%; percent of vote in second round - PDP 55%, BTP 45%; seats by party PDP 30, BTP 17; composition as of January 2024 - men 45, women 2, percent of women 4.3%;
• Note: total percent of women in Parliament 6.9%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the monarch upon the advice of the National Judicial Commission, a 4-member body to include the Legislative Committee of the National Assembly, the attorney general, the Chief Justice of Bhutan and the senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; other judges (drangpons) appointed by the monarch from among the High Court judges selected by the National Judicial Commission; chief justice serves a 5-year term or until reaching age 65 years, whichever is earlier; the 4 other judges serve 10-year terms or until age 65, whichever is earlier
• subordinate courts: High Court (first appellate court); District or Dzongkhag Courts; sub-district or Dungkhag Courts

Regions or States:

20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural) Bumthang, Chhukha, Dagana, Gasa, Haa, Lhuentse, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatshel, Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, Sarpang, Thimphu, Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Trongsa, Tsirang, Wangdue Phodrang, Zhemgang

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Bhutan Alliance Party or Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa or DTT (Kinga TSHERING)
• Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT [Dorji WANGDI]
• Bhutan Tendrel Party or BTP (Dasho Tema CHEWANG)
• People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering TOBGAY]
• United Party of Bhutan (Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa) or DNT [Lotay TSHERING]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: the father must be a citizen of Bhutan dual citizenship
• recognized: no residency requirement for
• naturalization: 10 years

Capital Name

Thimphu

Capital - geographic coordinate

27 28 N, 89 38 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ADB
• BIMSTEC
• CP
• FAO
• G-77
• IBRD
• ICAO
• IDA
• IFAD
• IFC
• IMF
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM (observer)
• IPU
• ISO (correspondent)
• ITSO
• ITU
• MIGA
• NAM
• OPCW
• SAARC
• SACEP
• UN
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNIDO
• UNISFA
• UNTSO
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WCO
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO (observer)

International Law Organization Participation:

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Embassy: none; frequent informal contact is maintained via the US embassy in New Delhi (India) and Bhutan's Permanent Mission to the UN

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d'Affaires Phuntsho NORBU (since October 2022) note - also the Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN
• Telephone: [1] (212) 682-2268
• FAX: [1] (212) 661-0551
• Email: consulate.pmbny@mfa.gov.bt
• Website: https://www.mfa.gov.bt/pmbny/
• Consulate(s) General: New York
• Embassy: 343 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017 note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US

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Geographic Location

Asia

Geographic Coordinates

27 30 N, 90 30 E

Total Area

14,824 Square Miles 38,394 Square Kilometers

Land Area

14,824 Square Miles 38,394 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

668 Miles 1,075 Kilometers

Border Countries

China 470 km, India 605 km

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Terrain

Mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Highest Point

7,553 Meters

Highest Point Location

Kula Kangri 7,553 m

Lowest Point

97 Meters

Lowest Point Location

Drangme Chhu 97 m

Natural Resources

Timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbide

Irrigated Land

123 Square Miles 319 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

• Varies
• tropical in southern plains
• cool winters and hot summers in central valleys
• severe winters and cool summers in the Himalayas

Terrain

Mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna

Location

Southern Asia, between China and India

Total Area

14,824 Square Miles 38,394 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

China 470 km, India 605 km

Environment - Current Issues

Soil erosion; limited access to potable water

Environment - International Agreements

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

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Exports

$500,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$1,100,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

Electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil

Major Imports

Fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice

Top Export Partners

India 83.8%, Hong Kong 10.8%

Top Import Partners

India 72.3%, South Korea 6%

Export Partners

India 83.8%, Hong Kong 10.8%

Import Partners

India 72.3%, South Korea 6%

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Country Description

Bhutan is a small, land-locked Himalayan country that completed its transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 2008.

The United States does not have diplomatic relations with Bhutan and there is no U.S. diplomatic presence there.

Consular issues relating to Bhutan, including assistance to U.S. citizens, are handled by the U.S.

Embassy in New Delhi.

Safety & Security

In May and October, 2011 small improvised explosive devices were detonated in the southern border towns of Phuentsholing and Gelephu.

These were the first such reported incidents of these types for several years.

Except for one bombing that took place in the capital, Thimphu, most of the other incidents occurred in areas near the border, far from tourist destinations, and resulted in little damage.

The government has blamed various groups for these bombings.

Groups demanding the repatriation of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees currently living in camps in Nepal have in the past resorted to protests and small-scale violence.

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Crime

There is relatively little crime in Bhutan.

Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching, is occasionally reported.

While generally safe, the capital Thimphu has begun to see burglaries, street fights, and an increasing, although still small, number of drug abusers.

Reasonable precautions should be taken when visiting the town and, in particular, when going out at night.

Do not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.

Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, but you may also be breaking local law.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Bhutan, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own.

In some places, you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Bhutan, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case.

To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

Although no formal diplomatic relations exist between the United States and Bhutan, engagement is maintained through the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in the populated areas in Bhutan such as Thimphu and Paro are available but may be limited or unavailable in rural areas.

U.S. citizens in need of urgent medical care should try to get to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in the capital city, Thimphu.

For emergency services in Thimphu, dial 113 for police or 112 for an ambulance.

Medical services may not meet Western standards, and some medicines are in short supply.

Certain emergency medical services are provided free of charge to all tourists.

Visitors planning to trek in Bhutan should pay special attention to the risk of altitude illness.

Altitude sickness is a risk above 8,000 feet and travelers to that altitude should consult an appropriate health care provider 4 to 6 weeks before their trip.

Treks in Bhutan can take visitors days or weeks away from the nearest medical facility.

Helicopter evacuation from remote areas in Bhutan is available through the registered tour operators at the U.S. citizen’s expense.

The U.S.

Embassy in New Delhi can also help arrange evacuations through private companies at the U.S. citizen’s expense.

We strongly urge you to ensure that your medical insurance covers such evacuations, which can be extremely expensive.

The Government of Bhutan recommends that visitors obtain tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A inoculations before traveling to Bhutan.

Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and rabies vaccines are recommended for prolonged stays for people at risk.

The influenza vaccine is also recommended.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Bhutan.

For further information, please consult the CDC's information on TB.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of malaria exists in rural areas below 1,700m (5,577ft) in the southern belt districts of Bhutan (Chirang, Geylegphug, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Shemgang) along the border with India.

Dengue is also a risk; you should take measures to prevent insect/mosquito bites in the higher-risk areas in the south from July to December.

Although yellow fever is not a disease risk in Bhutan, the government requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to present proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Traffic Safety

While in Bhutan, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Bhutan is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

General road conditions outside urban areas are poor, and emergency services generally are not available.

Because of the mountainous terrain, roads tend to have steep drop-offs and blind curves.

During heavy rains, there is a risk of falling rocks and landslides which can block roads.

However, because Bhutan requires tourists to arrange their trips through registered tour operators and travel in groups with experienced drivers, most tourists will not drive themselves.

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Airports - total

2

Airports with Paved Runways

2

Roadways- total

5,002 Miles 8,050 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

3,101 Miles 4,991 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

None

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Telephones

26,300

Cell Phones

149,400

Internet Users

40,000

Internet Country Code

.bt

Internet Hosts

9,147

Broadcast Media

• State-owned TV station was established in 1999
• cable TV service offers dozens of Indian and other international channels
• the first radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned
• 5 private radio stations are currently broadcasting

Telephone System

• 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

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Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

184,000,000

Electricity Exports- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,296,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,480,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

1,719

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Anthem History

"Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom) is how Bhutanese also refer to their country.

The music is reminiscent of the native style of music in that region.

The composer of the anthem was trained in India, becoming that country's first bandmaster.

After his return to Bhutan, the Indian prime minister paid a visit to the country, and the anthem was composed for the occasion, at the request of the Bhutanese king.

The original tune was based on the folk song "thri nyampa med pa pemai thri" ("The Unchanging Lotus Throne").

An interesting note is that the folk song has choreography that goes along with it, making this possibly the only national anthem to be based on a choreographical work.

Anthem Lyrics

Druk tsendhen Druk tsendhen koipi gyelkhap na Loog ye ki tenpa chongwai gyon Pel mewang ngadhak rinpo chhe Ku jurmey tenching chhap tsid pel Chho sangye ten pa goong dho gyel Bang che kyed nyima shar warr sho.

Anthem Lyrics English

In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, where cypresses grow Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions, The King od Druk, precious sovereign, His being is eternal, his reign prosperous The enlightenment teachings thrive and flourish May the people shine like the sun of peace and happiness!