Bhutan

Druk-yul

Political Status: Independent parliamentary monarchy; first formal constitution adopted June 2, 2008.

Area: 18,147 sq. mi. (47,000 sq. km.).

Population: 672,425 (2005C); 777,000 (2008E). The census, described by the government as representing the total resident population, includes 552,996 citizens as well as a “floating population” of 37,453—presumably temporary or short-term residents. In contrast, the United Nations Population Division estimated the 2005 population to be 2.16 million.

Major Urban Center (2005C): THIMPHU (98,676, district).

Official Language: Dzongkha.

Monetary Unit: Ngultrum (official rate December 1, 2009: 46.31 ngultrum = $1US). The ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee, which circulates freely within the country.

Monarch: Dasho Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUK; proclaimed king (Druk Gyalpo) on December 14, 2006, upon the voluntary abdication of his father, Jigme Singye WANGCHUK; crowned as ...