Land area

38,394 sq km

Population

634,982 (2005 census)

Thimphu (capital) 98,676 (2005 census estimate)

Climate

The tropical climate in southern Bhutan changes dramatically as the mountains rise steeply to altitudes beyond the tree line, reaching permanently snow-covered regions in the northern Himalayan region

Weather in Thimphu (altitude 2,320 metres)

Hottest month, August, 13.5-30°C (average daily minimum and maximum); coldest month, January, -8°C to 20.5°C; driest month, November, negligible average monthly rainfall; wettest month, October, 134mm average rainfall

Languages

There are four main language groups and 18 dialects. The national language, Dzongkha, is spoken in the western part of the country, Bumthang-kha in the centre, Sharchop-kha in the east and Nepali in the south. English is the main language in use in schools and is widely used, especially by the urban population

Measures

Metric system

Currency

Ngultrum = 100 cheltrum. The ngultrum is pegged at parity to the Indian rupee. Average exchange rate in 2010: Nu45.7:US$1

Time

6 hours ahead of GMT

Fiscal year

July 1st-June 30th

Public holidays

January 2nd (Winter solstice); February 14th-15th (New Year); February 20th (Day of Offering); February 21st (Birthday of the fifth king); April 23rd (Zhabdrung Kuchoe); May 2nd (Birthday of the third king); May 27th (Lord Buddha's Parinivana); June 21st (Birthday of Guru Rinpoche); July 15th (Anniversary of the first sermon of Lord Buddha); September 13th (Thimphu Drubchen); September 17th-19th (Thimphu Tshechu); October 17th (Dashain); November 1st (Descending Day of Lord Buddha); November 11th-13th (Birthday of the fourth king); December 17th (National Day)