Country
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Bhutan
Kingdom of 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); 685, 000 (2010E). The census, described by the government as representing the total resident population, included 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 November 1, 2010: 44.47 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 ...