Bhutan with the capital city Thimphu is located in Asia (Southern Asia, between China and India). It covers some 47,000 square kilometres (about one-half the size of Indiana) with 2,376,000 citizens.

About the flag and history of Bhutan

Divided diagonally from the lower hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side; the dragon, called the Druk (Thunder Dragon), is the emblem of the nation; its white color stands for purity and the jewels in its claws symbolize wealth; the background colors represent spiritual and secular powers within Bhutan: the orange is associated with Buddhism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty.

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 to British India. 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. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned to Bhutan the areas annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government''s draft constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New Delhi. Elections for seating the country''s first parliament were completed in March 2008; the king ratified the country''s first constitution in July 2008. The disposition of some 43,000 Bhutanese refugees - housed in two UN refugee camps in Nepal - remains unresolved.

National administrative regions of Bhutan

• Bhutan (general)
• Bumthang
• Chhukha
• Chirang
• Daga
• Gasa
• Geylegphug
• Ha
• Lhuntshi
• Mongar
• Paro
• Pemagatsel
• Punakha
• Samchi
• Samdrup Jongkhar
• Shemgang
• Tashigang
• Thimphu
• Tongsa
• Trashi Yangste
• Wangdi Phodrang

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