Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan ({{IPA2|bu?'t??n}} {{Audio|Bhutan.ogg|Listen}}) is a landlocked nation in the Himalaya Mountains, sandwiched between India and the People's Republic of China in South Asia. The local name for the country is Druk Yul. It is also called Druk Tsendhen (land of the thunder dragon), because the thunder there is said to be the sound of roaring dragons. Historically Bhutan was known by many names, such as Lho Mon (southern land of darkness), Lho Tsendenjong (southern land of the cypress), and Lhomen Khazhi (southern land of four approaches). The origins of the name Bhutan are unclear; historians have suggested that it may have originated in variations of the Sanskrit words Bhota-ant (the end of Bhot – another word for Tibet), or Bhu-uttan (highlands). The word Bhutan as a name for the country dates from the late 19th century.

Related Topics:
Landlocked - Nation - Himalaya Mountains - India - People's Republic of China - South Asia - Dragon - Cypress - Sanskrit - 19th century

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Bhutan is one of the most isolated and least developed nations in the world. Foreign influences and tourism are heavily regulated by the government to preserve its traditional culture. The landscape ranges from subtropical plains to the Himalayan heights, in excess of seven thousand metres. Mahayana Buddhism is the state religion and accounts for about half the population. Thimphu is the capital and largest town.

Related Topics:
Himalaya - Mahayana Buddhism - Thimphu

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