Bhutan is a compact country nestled in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by India to the south and China to the north. It is divided into three main regions: the southern plains and river valleys, the central mid-Himalayan range, and the northern highlands, where major peaks rise between 14,000 and 24,000 feet above sea level. As a landlocked nation, Bhutan has no access to the sea.

While the northern peaks are perpetually covered in snow and experience a sub-arctic climate, the valleys in the south and central regions enjoy a more temperate climate. The southern plains and foothills are characterized by a humid subtropical climate.

The country’s rich forests are home to diverse wildlife, including endangered species such as elephants, tigers, and leopards, as well as blue sheep, cranes, and rare medicinal plants. These forests also provide a source of livelihood for 90% of the population. The primary agricultural products are rice, maize, and millet. Due to the country’s rugged terrain, the population is concentrated in a few areas.

Thimphu, the capital, and Phuntsholing, the second-largest city, are the main urban centers. Phuntsholing, located in the south, serves as the gateway for travelers entering Bhutan from India by land.