The tiny Kingdom of Bhutan, at the eastern end of the Himalayas, nestles between the giant nation states of China and India. Often called the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” it remained secluded until recent times—the first ever “tourist” set foot in Bhutan in 1974 and was followed by the introduction of television and new technology at the turn of the 21st century. In 2008, Bhutan became the world’s youngest democracy, moving from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy in a historic change initiated by the revered and much-loved Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. A sovereign country throughout the ages, Bhutan is now establishing its place on the world stage and demonstrating leadership on climate and environmental issues. It is determined to maintain its Buddhist culture and way of life as it evolves and adapts to political change and economic challenges. Its unique development policy of “Gross National Happiness,” which measures progress not through material gain but on a happiness scale, is generating global interest. The abundant hospitality of the Bhutanese, the variety of Bhutan’s ancient monasteries and colorful festivals, and its near-perfect ecosystem and natural beauty never fail to reward the traveler. Culture Smart! Bhutan will give you a deeper insight into the country’s history, values, and customs, as well as practical guidance on how to develop a meaningful rapport with the Bhutanese. "Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel  Karma Choden is a freelance writer, the founder of Simply Bhutan Travels, and a commissioner and focal person for the National Commission for Women and Children in Bhutan. Dorji Wangchuk is a management consultant who worked as a civil servant in the Bhutanese government for many years. Bhutan - Culture Smart! By Karma Choden, Dorji Wangchuk Bravo Ltd Copyright © 2017 Karma Choden and Dorji Wangchuk All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-85733-875-1 Contents Map of Bhutan, Introduction, Key Facts, Chapter 1: LAND AND PEOPLE, Chapter 2: VALUES AND ATTITUDES, Chapter 3: RELIGION, CUSTOMS, AND TRADITIONS, Chapter 4: MAKING FRIENDS, Chapter 5: THE BHUTANESE AT HOME, Chapter 6: TIME OUT, Chapter 7: TRAVEL, HEALTH, AND SAFETY, Chapter 8: BUSINESS BRIEFING, Chapter 9: COMMUNICATING, Further Reading, Acknowledgments, CHAPTER 1 LAND & PEOPLE GEOGRAPHICAL SNAPSHOT Bhutan is a landlocked country lying between 89° and 92° east and 27° and 28° north. Its immediate neighbors are India, which surrounds it in the west (Sikkim), south (West Bengal and Assam), and east (Arunachal Pradesh); and China, with which it shares its entire northern border. It was an important part of the trade route to Tibet, particularly to Tibet's Chumbi Valley, connecting India with Lhasa, Tibet's capital. Bhutan is about 186 miles (300 km) long and about 93 miles (150 km) wide, encompassing an area of around 14,826 square miles (38,400 sq. km), roughly the size of Switzerland, with elevations ranging from 984 feet (300 m) in the southern foothills to 22,965 feet (7,000 m) in the north. Great geographical and climatic variations provide a perfect setting for a rich and spectacular biodiversity. TERRAIN Bhutan is a mountainous land, which consists of three broad physiographical zones: the southern belt, made up of the Himalayan foothills adjacent to the flatlands along the Indian border; the inner Himalayas, consisting of the main river valleys and steep mountains; and the high Himalayas, featuring alpine meadows and snow-capped mountains. The southern foothills, also called the Terai region, run from 984 feet (300 m) to 3,281 feet (1000 m) in elevation. Except for a narrow strip of flatland and some terrace farming, most of the foothills are densely forested. This area, extending across the border to India, is called The Duars (Sanskrit for "passes"), with each duar named after a river that runs through it. These lands were once under the control of the Bhutanese before they were annexed by British India following wars leading up to the 1865 Treaty of Sinchula. The mid-region, the inner Himalayas, is mostly comprised of valleys and forested hillsides ranging from 3,609 feet (about 1,100 m) to 11,483 feet (about 3,500 m) in elevation, and occupies the largest part of the country. Most of the major towns in Bhutan, including the capital city, Thimphu, lie in this belt. The topography features broad valleys, deep gorges, and fast-flowing rivers. Only a few valleys are suitable for extensive farming, with most of the hillsides still covered in forests. Most of the high passes between towns, such as the Dochhu-la (10,006 ft; 3,050 m), Pelela (11,483 ft; 3,500 m), Yotongla (11,237 ft; 3,425 m), and Thrumshingla (12,402 ft; 3,780 m) lie within this band, often becoming secondary watersheds for major rivers such as the Manas in Assam, India. The northern part of the country, separated from Tibet by a chain of glacial mountains