BHUTAN SMORE
By: Brianna Phelps
TASK 1: Introduction
This SMORE is about Bhutan, a country located in the Indian Sub-continent, which is in Asia. Throughout the presentation you will explore all about Bhutan's culture, geography, government, religion, and much, much more.
Task 2: Geography and Travel
Bhutan is located in the Indian Sub-continent. It is northeast of India, and on the right of Nepal. One of its physical features is that it's part of the Himalaya Mountains. The seven main rivers of Bhutan include the Torsa Chhu, Drangme Chhu, Charankar Chhu, Sunkosh Chhu, Trongsa Chhu, Kulong Chhu, and the Lhobrock River. Bhutan's major/most populated cities are Thimphu, Phuntsholing, Punakha, and Samdrup Jongkhar. The most populated area is the capital, Thimphu, which is in the western central area of Bhutan. It has a population in the 60,000's. This may be because it is the political and economical center of Bhutan, or because it has a stronger agricultural base. Bhutan's annual average high temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and their average low is 51 degrees Fahrenheit. A good method of travel, if planning to take a trip from Texas to Bhutan would be by plane. It would be a very long trip that would not be successful with a car, train, or bus.
Task 3: Government
Bhutan's government is a constitutional monarchy as of 2008. Their Chief of State is Chief Executive Jigme Thinley. And, the Head of government is Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. Laws are passed through a two branch system. The laws require the National Assembly and National Council of Parliament to agree with them. The Supreme Court them interprets the laws as the final step. They have a limited government. Bhutan's rights include the right of life, freedom, security, they cannot be discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion, or gender, and they are guaranteed freedom of torture as punishment. The constitution guarantees freedom of press and other forms of spreading information. Their rights are similar to the United States. Their duties/responsibilities are to respect the national flag and anthem, to respect and abide the constitution, to prevent acts of torcher, terrorism, etc., and to pay taxes. Bhutan is a member of the United Nations. It is not a member of NATO.
Task 4: Economy
The main currency of Bhutan, is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). $1 in the U.S. is equal to 61.27 BTN. Bhutan's main imports include technology, machines, fuel, salt, and clothes. 80% of Bhutan's imports are from India. Their main exports are cement, coal, and fruits. Compared to the United States Bhutan is not a wealthy country. As of 2010, Bhutan's GDP in US dollars is $2,399.
Task 5: Social and Ethnic Groups
The four main Ethnic groups of Bhutan are Ngalop, Sharchop, Indigenous and tribal groups, and Lhotshampa. Education is not mandatory. About 15% of Bhutan's children remain without education. But, typically children begin primary school at the age of 5 or 6. Bhutan has attempted to help by paying for public school. However, some families need their children to work for money to support them, rather than getting an education. Woman rights issues are a big and serious problem in Bhutan, they include, trafficking, or selling/trading women, polygamy, and gender-based discrimination. Children's rights in Bhutan have a long way to go before being effective. The main issues children face are poverty, child labor, and not having a right to education. The literacy rate is 47%. The majority ethnic group is Sharchop.
Bhutanese Children
Bhutan Children at School
Bhutanese Children
Task 6: Religion, Language, Country Flag
Bhutan's major religion is Buddhism, which includes about 70% of the population. The other 30% practices Hinduism. The official language is Dzongkha.The flag is split diagonally with yellow and orange, and then there is a white dragon in the middle. The dragon is called the "Thunder Dragon", which is the countries emblem. The yellow half symbolizes the authority of the king. The white (color of the dragon) represents loyalty and purity. And, the orange is symbolic of the Drukpa monasteries.
Task 7: Traditional Holidays or Festivals, Traditional Clothing, and Food
Dassian, or Dashain is a traditional holiday in Bhutan. It celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated in the month of October. During this time families feast together, clean their homes, and exchange gifts. Typically Bhutanese woman wear colorful dresses. The national dish of Bhutan is called Ema Datshi. The ingredients include chili peppers and cheese. It can be made with all types of cheese and peppers. And, there are so many different ways of cooking this dish.
Celebrating Dassain
Traditional Clothing
Traditional clothing worn by women during Dashain
Traditional Every-day Clothing
Bhutanese woman typically wear colorful dresses.
Food Market
Natural fruits and vegetables are sold at food markets in Bhutan.
Ema Datshi
Ema Datshi
Task 8: VIP and History
Onir, is a film producer/director. He was born April 30, 1969 in Thimphu, Bhutan and is still working today. Onir graduated from Jadavpur University in the year 1989. For a short period of time he attended film school. Before graduating from college, Onir was given a scholarship to study films in Berlin. Over time, he went to India and began his career as an editor, script writer, and producer. Currently, he is still continuing his profession. Onir and his movies have received many awards. He has become very successful.
Until the 1960's Bhutan was very different from the rest of the world. It was a fairly solitary country. Citizens continued to maintain a traditional way of life, farming, and trading longer than other countries. But, when China invaded Tibet, Bhutan strengthened its relationship with India to avoid the same thing happening to them. Eventually, Bhutan adapted things from India like social modernization and the Caste System. I think that this was the reason for Bhutan switching from an Absolute Monarchy, to a Constitutional Monarchy.
Until the 1960's Bhutan was very different from the rest of the world. It was a fairly solitary country. Citizens continued to maintain a traditional way of life, farming, and trading longer than other countries. But, when China invaded Tibet, Bhutan strengthened its relationship with India to avoid the same thing happening to them. Eventually, Bhutan adapted things from India like social modernization and the Caste System. I think that this was the reason for Bhutan switching from an Absolute Monarchy, to a Constitutional Monarchy.
HOPE YOU ENJOYED!
List Of Websites Used
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_52044.htm
http://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/bhutan/government
https://www.wikipedia.org
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=BTN
http://www.oocities.org/bhutanwomen/statuschild.html
http://www.wunrn.com/news/2007/04_07/04_09_07/041107_bhutan.htm
http://www.humanium.org/en/bhutan/
http://country-facts.findthedata.org/q/159/2395/What-is-the-literacy-rate-in-Bhutan-a-country-in-the-continent-of-Asia
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/countrys/asia/bhutan.htm
https://bhutancanada.org/happy-dassain/
http://www.infoplease.com/country/bhutan.html
http://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/bhutan/government
https://www.wikipedia.org
http://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=BTN
http://www.oocities.org/bhutanwomen/statuschild.html
http://www.wunrn.com/news/2007/04_07/04_09_07/041107_bhutan.htm
http://www.humanium.org/en/bhutan/
http://country-facts.findthedata.org/q/159/2395/What-is-the-literacy-rate-in-Bhutan-a-country-in-the-continent-of-Asia
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/countrys/asia/bhutan.htm
https://bhutancanada.org/happy-dassain/
http://www.infoplease.com/country/bhutan.html