Bhutan is a very small country in the Himalayas between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and India with an area of 14,824 square miles (38,394 square kilometers) is slightly larger than the U.S. state of Maryland. Bhutan’s projected population is about 780,000 people—or about 10% more than the city of Seattle in Washington State. Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbors. Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life. Due to its pristine environment and harmonious society, the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan has been called "The Last Shangri-la” And in an effort to promote its cultural heritage, since 1989, it has been made compulsory for Bhutanese to wear their traditional costumes in school, government offices, during festivals, and on important occasions. That tradition has been making Bhutanese textile culture more colorful and diverse until today.
ABOUT BHUTAN 5
