Bhutan is a country nestled in the eastern Himalayas. It is located in Southern Asia between China and India. It was under British influence when a monarchy was set up in 1907. Three years later a treaty was signed whereby the country became a British protectorate. Independence was attained in 1949, with India subsequently guiding foreign relations and supplying aid.

The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for 90% of the population and account for about 40% of GDP. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources. The Bhutanese Government has made some progress in expanding the nation's productive base and improving social welfare. Model education, social, and environment programs in Bhutan are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. BACK TO TOP

Links to Bhutan

Women's situation
Women comprise 48 percent of the population and participate freely in the social and economic life of the country. Forty-three percent of enrollment in school is female, and women account for  6 percent of civil service employment. On the other hand, female school enrollment has been growing in response to government policies. Women are increasingly found among senior officials and private sector entrepreneurs, especially in the tourism industry. Women in unskilled jobs are generally paid slightly less than men. 

Sixty-two percent of the female population work in agriculture. The literacy rate among rural women is around 10%. Seventy percent of the land is owned by women. 

Fourteen seats (9.33%) are occupied by women in the National Assembly (as of October 2001 based on IPU records). Women were allowed to vote in 1953.

More on the status of women in Bhutan from this report

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Important political facts

Political Resources on Bhutan