Region:
South-central
Asia
Capital:
Thimphu
Population:
2 185 569 (July
2004 est.)
note:
other estimates
range as low
as 810,000
Surface
area:
47 000 square
km
Currency:
ngultrum
GDP
per capita:
$1,300 (2002
est.)
Background:
In
1865, Britain
and Bhutan signed
the Treaty of
Sinchulu, under
which Bhutan
would receive
an annual subsidy
in exchange for
ceding some border
land. Under British
influence, a
monarchy was
set up in 1907;
three years later,
a treaty was
signed whereby
the British agreed
not to interfere
in Bhutanese
internal affairs
and Bhutan allowed
Britain to direct
its foreign affairs.
This role was
assumed by independent
India after 1947.
Economy
– overview:
The
economy is based
on agriculture
and forestry,
which provide
the main livelihood
for more than
90% of the population.
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 and dependence
on India's financial
assistance. 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.
Detailed control
and uncertain
policies in areas
like industrial
licensing, trade,
labour, and finance
continue to hamper
foreign investment.
United
Nations Membership
date:
21 September
1971
New
York Mission:
Permanent Mission
of the Kingdom
of Bhutan to
the United Nations,
763 United Nations
Plaza (1st Avenue)
New York, NY
10017.
Telephone: 212-682-2268
/ 2312 / 2371
/ 2752
Fax: 212-661-0551
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