In 2002, Bhutan was a small mountainous country located in South Asia. It had a population of around 700,000 people and an economy that was heavily reliant on agriculture and forestry. Despite this, there were still economic challenges such as high levels of poverty, particularly among young people and those living in rural areas. According to computerannals, Bhutan was a relatively stable monarchy with strong government institutions which enabled it to address pressing issues such as crime and corruption. Furthermore, Bhutan also enjoyed close diplomatic ties with other countries in the region which enabled it to remain an important player in international affairs. In terms of development, the government began to focus on improving infrastructure and providing basic services such as healthcare and education which provided a glimmer of hope for a better future for Bhutanese. Additionally, efforts have been made by both local and international organizations to strengthen democratic institutions within the country in order to promote stability within Bhutan. The government also adopted several economic reforms aimed at encouraging foreign investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.

Yearbook 2002

Bhutan. According to Countryaah website, national day of Bhutan is every August 8. King Jigme Singye Wangchuk, who in 2002 celebrated the 30th anniversary of the throne, wants to replace the absolute monarchy with constitutional monarchy and multi-party systems. Bhutan lacks a written constitution, but a special committee has drafted a constitution to be approved by Parliament. In August, Kinzang Dorji was appointed to the post of Prime Minister, who rotates between the members of the government.

Economy

An EU delegation expressed concern that the issue of the nearly 100,000 Bhutanese refugees in Nepal has not yet been resolved, despite negotiations between Bhutan and Nepal. Representatives of the refugees have appealed to India for help.

Bhutan Country Overview

Visas
We apply for a group visa for those traveling to Bhutan, which is included in the price of the trip.

• According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, RUB stands for Bhutan.

Insurance
Everyone participating in the trip must have a valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses in the event of illness or other similar need. Please check the validity of your own insurance and the terms and conditions of the insurance cancellation cover.

Please pay attention to the special nature of your trip and check the coverage of the insurance in that respect as well. In many locations, the insurance must also be valid when moving at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, in which case it also covers mountain sickness.

Many hiking or diving trips require more extensive insurance, which covers, for example, diving or moving on a glacier. Please check the contents of your insurance with your insurance company.

Vaccinations
For the trip, it is advisable to check that the following basic vaccinations are valid: tetanus, polio, diphtheria / pertussis. In addition, we recommend hepatitis A vaccination. For more information on vaccinations, contact your health center or the tourist clinic’s vaccination advice at www.laakarikeskus.com

Climate
Bhutan is one of the wettest areas in the Himalayan region, with most of the rainfall coming in June-September. South Bhutan can be classified as a tropical region, while some of the northern mountains are forever covered in ice. The snow immediately melts away from less than 2,400 meters. The snow line runs in March at about 3500-4000 meters.

Food & beverage
Rice is one of Bhutan’s basic raw materials, as is maize. In the mountains, the diet contains more protein, especially poultry, lamb and jackets. In the cold season, chili-flavored rice and corn soups are eaten, which can be accompanied by meat. Despite the scarcity of milk, dairy products, especially cheese made from yak and cow’s milk, as well as butter are widely used. The most common drinks are beer and tea (po Cha). Water and beverages must be industrially bottled. It is also a good idea to rinse fruits and vegetables with bottled water. Heated or tablet-purified water can be drunk. Reheated foods should be avoided.

Time difference to Finland
+3 h 30 min

Currency: The currency of Bhutan is Ngultrum (BTN), 1 € = approx. 57 BTN. You can exchange cash and traveler’s checks at hotels. There are no ATMs in the country. Indian rupees are accepted as a payment currency in Bhutan. Indian rupees can be obtained from Finland by booking in advance. Check availability and course at www.forex.fi.

Electricity
in Nepal, India and Bhutan is 220 V.

Clothing In
Bhutan, nudity is treated very strictly. Public bathing and sunbathing violate local customs. We do not recommend the use of sleeveless t-shirts, short shorts or sports tops.

Gratuities
Waiters and restaurant staff expect a 10-15% tip on the final invoice unless a service charge is included in the invoice price. Drink money and tips are often the main source of income for locals.

Religion: Hinduism is recognized in the southern parts of Bhutan, Buddhism in the mountainous regions and Buddhism in the northern part of the country.

Stupa
Stupas are sacred temples of Buddhists. The word stupa is used only from Buddhist temples. They are tower-like structures that are hemispherical in root. Stupas symbolize the pursuit of perfection as well as enlightenment. Buddhist customs include that stupas are always rotated clockwise. This symbolizes the movement of the sun in the sky. When visiting places sacred to Buddhists, attention should be paid to dress. It is polite to keep your hands and feet covered and take your shoes off when visiting inside buildings.

Temples
Hindu temples are shrines built in the shape of a geometric mandala. When visiting temples, remember the same dress codes as for a stupa. Hindu temples are also rotated clockwise.