Bhutan Statistics

Geography-Population

Capital:  Thimphu

Area:  38,394 sq km

Climate:  varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas

Population:  708,427 (July 20105 est.)

Languages:  Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

Government-Economy

Government type: constitutional monarchyIndependence Day: 17 December (1907, when Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king)Currency: Ngultrum (BTN); 100 BTN = 2.23 USDGDP: $3.526 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP): $5,000 (2010 est.)

Information for Foreign Students in BhutanGetting there
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travellers coming from an infected area.
Valid passport and visa are required for all nationals. The government may refuse entry to those wishing to visit for mountaineering, publicity and other research activities. Tourists to Bhutan are obliged to use Druk Air (the only airline serving Bhutan) (the only airline serving Bhutan). There are two ways of entering Bhutan: by air to Paro Airport or by road to the Bhutanese border town of Phuentsholing. Samdrup Jongkhar is used for exits from Bhutan by land.

All travellers entering the country by road have to make sure that they have the necessary documentation for transiting through that part of India to Phuentsholing. Visitors are also advised to contact the Government of India Tourist Office (www.incredibleindia.org ) to check exactly what special permits or other documents may be necessary as these regulations are subject to change at short notice. In addition, visitors are required to book with a registered tour operator in Bhutan, which can be done directly through an affiliated travel agent abroad. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan and visitors are required by immigration to bring two passport photos with them for use on arrival.

Obtaining a VisaAir tickets cannot be purchased without visa clearance. Visas are only issued to tourists booked with a local licensed tour operator, or through a foreign travel agent. All applications are submitted through the tour operator. Visas are issued (stamped in passport) on arrival at Paro Airport or at Phuentsholing check post. Visas are initially granted for stays of up to 15 days. The Bhutan Tourism Corporation Limited (BTCL) can apply for an extension of tourist visas for an additional fee per person.

HousingHere is a link for accommodations: http://www.triptobhutan.com/accommodation.htm

Health
To avoid any trouble, we recommend using mineral water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Milk should be boiled; powdered or tinned milk is available. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Full medical insurance is strongly advised. Medical facilities are good but not always close at hand. Concerning risks related to local diseases, Hepatitis E occurs; hepatitis B is endemic. Giardiasis is common. Meningitis is a sporadic risk and vaccination is advised. Tuberculosis exists. There is a small risk of Japanese encephalitis in southern lowland areas. Altitude sickness may be a problem. Rabies is present, so vaccination should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Money
ATMs only accept Bhutanese bank cards.
1 Ngultrum (BTN; symbol Nu) = 100 chetrum (Ch). The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee (which is also acccepted as legal tender). Traveler cheques can be exchanged in any branch of the Bank of Bhutan or at all BTCL hotels. Tourists are advised to take traveler's cheques in US Dollars.

Transportation
Public transports are very common and said to be comfortable.

Communication
The main cities are generally well-equipped regarding communication facilities: public phone booths, fax, and internet cafes. It is possible to buy a pay-as-you-go sim card.