general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US:
the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India)
Flag description:
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 Bhuddism, while the yellow denotes the ruling dynasty
National anthem:
name: "Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom)
lyrics/music: Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI
note: adopted 1953
Economy ::Bhutan
Economy - overview:
The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 60% 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. Model education, social, and environment programs 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. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower exports to India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth. New hydropower projects will be the driving force behind Bhutan's ability to create employment and sustain growth in the coming years.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
$3.526 billion (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 170 $3.301 billion (2009 est.)
$3.123 billion (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP (official exchange rate):
$1.397 billion (2010 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
6.8% (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 26 5.7% (2009 est.)
2.7% (2008 est.)
GDP - per capita (PPP):
$5,000 (2010 est.) country comparison to the world: 144 $4,800 (2009 est.)
$4,600 (2008 est.)
note: data are in 2010 US dollars
GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 17.6%
industry: 45%
services: 37.4% (2006)
Labor force:
299,900 country comparison to the world: 164 note: major shortage of skilled labor (2008)
Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 63%
industry: 6%
services: 31% (2004 est.)
Unemployment rate:
4% (2009) country comparison to the world: 36 2.5% (2004)
Population below poverty line:
23.2% (2008)
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: 2.3%
highest 10%: 37.6% (2003)
Public debt:
57.8% of GDP (2009) country comparison to the world: 40 81.4% of GDP (2004)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
4.3% (2008 est.) country comparison to the world: 127 4.9% (2007 est.)
Central bank discount rate:
NA%
Commercial bank prime lending rate:
NA% (31 December 2009 est.)
NA% (31 December 2008 est.)
Stock of narrow money:
$335 million (31 December 2008) country comparison to the world: 164 $381.1 million (31 December 2007)
Stock of broad money:
$NA (31 December 2009)
$647.6 million (31 December 2008)
Stock of domestic credit:
$NA (31 December 2008)
$169.9 million (31 December 2007 est.)
Market value of publicly traded shares:
$NA
Agriculture - products:
rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs
Industries:
cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism
Industrial production growth rate:
NA%
Electricity - production:
1.48 billion kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 140
Electricity - consumption:
184 million kWh (2009 est.) country comparison to the world: 178
Electricity - exports:
1.296 billion kWh (2009 est.)
Electricity - imports:
