Nepal and Bhutan
Nepal and Bhutan are two countries in the Himalayan Mountains of South Asia. Despite being close to each other and having similar geography, the two countries have developed political and economic differences in modern times.
Nepal
The history of Nepal traces back to ancient times, with ancient dynasties in its early history. The unification of Nepal as a modern state began in the mid-18th century under the leadership of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. The Shah Dynasty continued to rule Nepal until the monarchy was abolished in 2008, making way for a federal democratic republic.
Nepal’s physical geography is famous for its dramatic topography, ranging from the Terai plains in the south to the towering Himalayas in the north.
Its most famous point is Mount Everest - the highest point on Earth. Everest reaches a staggering height of 29,031 feet and 8+1⁄2 inches, as measured by Chinese and Nepali authorities in 2020. The China–Nepal border actually runs across its summit point.
Nepal has a population of about 30 million people. There are a variety of ethnic groups that include Chhetri, Brahmin-Hill, and Magar peoples.
Nepali is the official language and is widely spoken, but many other languages reflect the country's ethnic diversity. The predominant religion is Hinduism, followed by Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity.
The Yeti, often referred to as the "Abominable Snowman," holds a significant place in Nepalese culture and folklore. Known locally as the "Meh-Teh" or "Meteh Kangmi," the Yeti is believed to be a large, ape-like creature that resides in the remote mountainous regions of the Himalayas. The creature is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual beliefs of the people, particularly among the Sherpa community and other indigenous groups living in the high-altitude areas.
Agriculture is the backbone of Nepal's economy, employing about 65% of the workforce. Key crops include rice, maize, wheat, sugarcane, and various fruits and vegetables. Livestock farming is also significant.
Bhutan
Bhutan's history is tied to Buddhism, which was introduced in the 7th century. The country was unified in the early 17th century by the Tibetan military leader Ngawang Namgyal, who established the dual system of governance combining both secular and religious authority. Bhutan maintained its independence and avoided colonization, and in 2008, it transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, holding its first democratic elections.
Dzongkha is the official language. In the Dzongkha language, Bhutan is known as Drukyul which translates as "The Land of the Thunder Dragon". Its kings are known as Druk Gyalpo ("Dragon King").
The country covers 14,824 square miles and is dominated by the eastern Himalayas. There are lush subtropical plains in the south, temperate valleys and forests in the central region, and alpine conditions in the north. Bhutan's highest peak is Gangkhar Puensum at 24,836 feet. It remains unclimbed. There were several failed attempts before Bhutan banned all mountaineering in 2003.
Bhutan's population is about 800,000. The majority of Bhutanese are of Ngalop (Western Bhutanese) and Sharchop (Eastern Bhutanese) descent. The predominant religion is Vajrayana Buddhism.
Bhutanese culture is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. Festivals known as Tsechus, featuring mask dances and religious performances, are held annually in various monasteries and dzongs (fortresses).
Traditional arts and crafts, known as Zorig Chusum, include weaving, painting, sculpture, and papermaking. Bhutanese cuisine features red rice, ema datshi (chili cheese), and various dishes made with buckwheat and maize.
The country emphasizes Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of development, focusing on sustainable and equitable socio-economic development. As in Nepal, agriculture employs most of Bhutan's workforce.
Major products include rice, maize, potatoes, oranges, apples, and dairy products. Subsistence farming is common. However, Bhutan's major economic driver is hydropower. Hydroelectric plants provide electricity for domestic use and are exported to India, generating substantial income.