overview
The Kingdom of Bhutan
country information
Flag
capital
Thimphu
DRIVING SIDE: Left
INTERNET CODE: .bt
TOME ZONE: UTC +6
Neighbours
Tibet (autonomous region of China)
Chumbi Valley (Tibet)
Sikkim (state of India)
Arunachal Pradesh (state of India)
Assam (state of India)
West Bengal (state of India)
population
741 700
religion
Vajrayana Bhuddism 77.4%
Hinduism 22.6%
president & parliament
Head of State: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Ruling Party: Constitutional monarchy with a civil law based on Buddhist religious law
minority & majority groups
Ngalon (West & North Bhutan) | Sharchop (East Bhutan) | Lhotshampa (South Bhutan) | Drukpa: 213,000, Monpa: 95,000, Ngalong: 87,000, Sharchop: 65,000, Kheng: 34,000, Bumthangpa: 22,000, Matpa: 20,000
| The Risk Assessment Levels and Factor Matrix provides an overview of the main factors influencing the safety of expats in a host country.The Levels are based on internationally recognised colour codes and includes a description of each level, as well as preparatory interventions advised for each level.The factor matrix (further below), contains factors that influences the safety of expats as well as the stability of the host country. A total Risk level for the country is provided, based on the added average of the various categories (and rounded to the nearest whole number).The matrix and final score are provided to assist with gathering of information in order for individuals and organisations to make informed decisions and secure a level of preparedness related to the destination. By providing this matrix and score, the CRN in no manner either prohibits or encourages travel to a location. Every individual and organisation makes their own decisions whether to travel or not, and does so completely at their own risk. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk Assessment Levels: | |||||||
| Level | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| Level Type | Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High | ||
| Level Description | Little to no impact on expats [i] | Some variables exist, but situation is predictable | Several variables exist and the situation is unpredictable | Conditions exist that are unsafe and situation is unpredictable | Constant and serious threats exist and situation is hostile | ||
| Preparatory Interventions [ii] | – Research country – Travel insurance | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training -Hostage training – Contingency plans – Support actors have a CMT | – Research and Insurance – Personal safety training – Hostage training – Advanced Security training – Contingency and evac plan – Support actors have a CMT | – Research and insurance – Personal safety training – Hostage training – Advanced security training – Contingencies and evac plan – Support actors have a CMT | ___________________________________________________________________
i Expat is a person living in a country other than their native country ii. Preparatory Interventions can include Personal or Advanced Safety Training, Hostage Event training, Contingencies and Evacuation plans and Crisis Management Team (CMT) training. The reason for travelling will determine the type of training – e.g. Global Journalist Security Training focuses on needs of human rights defenders, etc. Individuals or organisations must pursue preparatory measures and content of training suited to their mandate and needs. iii. Note to the reader: When the score for WAR is a 5, it will affect several of the other categories and it becomes the main factor to consider when preparing and travelling to the area. | |
LANGUAGE
Dzongkha/ Sharchhopka / Lhotshamka / English
Hello: Kuzu zangpo la (f)
Kuzu Zangpo (inf.)
Yes: Inn
No: Men [meh-nn]
Thank you: Kadrin Cheyla
C U R R E N C Y &
E X C H A N G E R AT E
Ngultrum (BTN)
1 USD = BTN 71
ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard.
See: https://www.bhutan.travel/page/atm-locations-and-currency
Subject to change
VACCINATIONS
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission & for travellers having transited through airport of country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
The Government of Bhutan recommends that visitors obtain Tetanus, Typhoid, & Hepatitis A inoculations before traveling to Bhutan. Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, & Rabies vaccines are recommended for prolonged stays for people at risk. The influenza vaccine is also recommended.
ELECTRICITY
Voltage Requirements: 230 V
Standard Frequency:
50 Hz
Power plugs & sockets are of type D, type F & type G
As of 2011, the Bhutanese government supplied electricity to 60 percent of rural households.
TEMPERATURE
Winter: min. 10 °C – max. 23 °C
Summer: min. 24 °C – max. 31°C
DIPLOMATIC TIES / AIRPORTS / CARRIERS / NGO’S
EMBASSY / CONSULAR PRESENCE
The Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Bhutan do not have any diplomatic relations. Multilateral contact is maintained through the South African Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva. There is limited bilateral contact through the South African High Commission in New Delhi, India.
For more info, see: https://www.visahq.co.za/bhutan/embassy/south-africa/
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS & CARRIERS
DRUK AIR has a fleet of 4 aeroplanes ( 3- A319 & 1 ATR 42-600). It flies to 5 countries Internationally: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore and 4 cities Domestically: Paro, Bumthang, Gelephu and Yonphula.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Bhutan tourist visa is required for citizens of South Africa. Visas can only be obtained by travel agent within Bhutan. The Royal Government of Bhutan has adopted a very cautious approach to the development of tourism in the Kingdom in an effort to avoid its negative impacts on the culture and the environment. In 2014, the number of tourists who visited Bhutan was approximately 133,480, Visitors must either be guests of the government or travellers on an approved travel programme.
MAIN AIRPORT(S)
Location | IATA | Airport name | Coordinates | Runway | Status |
Gelephu | GLU | Gelephu Airport | 26°53′04″N 090°27′51″E | 11/29: 1500 m | Operational |
Jakar | BUT | Bathpalathang Airport | 27°33′52″N 090°44′43″E | 14/32: 1200 m | Operational |
Paro (Main international airport) | PBH | Paro International Airport | 27°24′12″N 089°25′29″E | 15/33: 1964 x 29 m | Operational |
Trashigang | YON | Yongphulla Airport | 27°15′22″N 091°30′55″E | 12/30: 1266 x 37 m | Operational |
NGO’S OPERATING IN COUNTRY & CONTACT DETAILS
Government Of India Ministry Of Environment, Forest And Climate Change
For more info, visit their website: https://www.india.gov.in/official-website-ministry-environment-and-forests-0
E-mail: [email protected]
HSBC | Skills for Life
HSBC Skills for Life is a five year INR 100 crore commitment by HSBC India that will focus on employment and entrepreneurship-linked skill development of disadvantaged youth, upskilling of teachers and educators, and women’s empowerment through financial education and livelihood enhancement.
Visit website: https://www.swadesfoundation.org/hsbcskillsforlife/
Email: [email protected]
Last Updated 20 April 2020