BHUTAN Bhutan LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON Land

BHUTAN Bhutan LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON Land of the Thunder Dragon Patrick Perez Brent Gyssler Jonina Provenzano

Origin � � � � Destroyed by fires, floods, earthquakes and war. Under Tibetan rule. British sought to incorporate their influence with Tibet, which posed a threat to Bhutan. Penlop Ugyen Wangchuck became the first Hereditary monarch of Bhutan in 1907 Officially independent in 1949. Bhutan’s official name is Druk-Yul. The Bhutanese government only uses the name Bhutan when dealing with international affairs. Archeologists believe that Bhutan was inhabited as early as 2000 -1500 B. C. E.

Map and Flag of Bhutan ~ Long Name: Kingdom of Bhutan ~Population: 2, 232, 300 ~Capital: Thimphu ~Currency: Ngultrum ~National Day: December 7 th

Infrastructure � Geographically/Demographically ~Three Zones: Southern, Central and Northern. ~Full of Tropical Forests, Fertile Valleys and Mountainous Valleys. ~Population consists of approx. 600, 000 people. Bhutanese dissident groups argue the population is actually bigger than the government estimates. � Food ~Ethnic Diversity. Northern Indian Cuisine mixed with Tibetan chilies. Often resembles Chinese and Indian Cuisine. ~Mushrooms, apricots, asparagus, and variety of chilies are grown in abundance. ~Meats include: beef, chicken, pork and dried yak. ~Typical meal includes rice, dried beef or pork and chilies sometimes cooked with soft, white cheese. � Use of Resources ~Homes are built to withstand long, cold winters with wood burning stoves used for both heating and cooking. ~houses are normally surrounded by land used for growing vegetable's

Bhutanese Comfort Food Ema Daji (Bhutanese Chiles 'n Cheese) 1 1/2 cups of water heaped 3/4 cup of chiles that have been cut into 1 to 2 -inch lengths (deseeded or not - its' up to you) 1 large onion, cut in half vertically and then sliced into then half circles 2 tsp. vegetable oil 5 plump cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped or mashed to a paste 250 grams feta or other mild, non-melting cheese salt, if needed a handful of fresh coriander leaves, torn into small pieces Bring the water to a boil in a medium pan and add the chiles, onion, and oil. Cover, reduce heat to a strong simmer, and cook for about 15 mins. Add the garlic and return to a boil, reduce heat again and simmer for an additional 5 -10 minutes, until the garlic and chiles are soft. Stir in the cheese and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir once, then cover and set aside for 10 mins. Taste and add salt if needed. Serve sprinkled with a few bits of coriander leaf.

Structure � Society ~Made up of Several Ethnic Groups. ~The Sharchops ~Myanmar(Burma) ~Indo- Mongoloids � Economy ~Based on agriculture and forestry that provides livelihoods for 90% of the population. ~Commercial Activates ~Cottage industries which includes weaving. ~Major Industries ~ Manufactured goods: cement, woods products, processed fruit. ~Trade ~Electricity exported to India. Other exports include spices, gypsum, cement. ~Chief Imports-Fuels, fabrics and rice. ~Major Import partners are India, Japan, and the United Kingdom ~Division of Labor ~Majority of Bhutanese are not skilled workers. 93% work in agriculture.

Structure ~Daily Life ~livestock raised in the region includes cattle, sheep, pig, chicken and yak. � Education ~Modern education was introduced in the 1960’s. Before it was introduced, monasteries provided the education. ~Over 50% of children still do not attend school ~ Educational system consists of 7 years of primary and then 4 years of secondary schooling. � Religion ~Buddhism is the official religion of Bhutan. They also practice Hinduism. ~Dussera in a national holiday in Bhutan. ~Buddhist monks are involved in both religious and social lives. They visit households and perform rites on such occasions as birth, marriage, sickness and death. � Linguistics ~National Language is Dzongkha. ~Most schools conduct class in English, but majority of the text books are written in Dzongkha. ~ Different dialects are spoken in the east and west.

Structure � Social Stratification ~There is no caste system, yet there is discrimination among the Hindus of Nepalese. � Political Life ~Constitutional monarchy, ruled by a heredity king known as the “Druk Gyalpo” ~Cabinet consists of six ministers, six advisors that are elected by the National Assembly. One member is elected by the king and includes two clergy representatives. ~Unicameral National Assembly � Social Problems/Control ~ Legal system is based on English Common Law and Indian Law. ~Family laws are governed by traditional Buddhist or Hindu law. ~Criminal defendants have no right to a jury trial ~Military ~Consists of 5, 000 soldiers and is located in the capital city of Thimbu. ~Services include royal police force and militia.

Structure � Marriages/Family Life ~Most marriages may be arranged by either the parents or by the individuals entering the marriage. ~A certificate is required for the court of law to get married. Most are performed by a religious leader. ~Mostly monogamous. Polyandry has recently been abolished. Polygamy is also legal given consent of the first wife. ~A bride does not necessarily move into her husband’s household. The new husband may reside with the wife’s family if their need for labor warrants it. ~Divorce is permitted. � Gender Roles/Status ~The Bhutanese do not isolate or disenfranchise woman. ~Land is divided equally between sons and daughters. ~Females receive nearly equal educational opportunities. They normally accord lower status but are cherished because they take care of the parents in old age. ~Men and Woman normally work side by side. Most common positions for women are teachers and nurses.

Super-Structure � Belief in Festivals ~ “Fire Dance”-Helps childless woman who attend the festival to conceive within the next year. � � � Belief in Reincarnation and Karma Strong belief in the Buddhist religion and the Buddhist monks. Use of Space ~preserving both the environment and the quality of life in Bhutan. Also helps preserve wildlife. � Etiquette ~Follow highly refined system of etiquette called “Driglam Namzha”. ~Code of Conduct: respect authority, devotion to the institution of marriage and family, and dedications to civic duty. ~Helps govern behavior. (send/receive gifts, talking, serve/eat food, how to dress) ~Men and Women intermingle

Critical Thinking Questions � � � � � Why does the Royal Cabinet have two Representatives from the Clergy on it? What is Bhutan’s official religion? What type economic system do they use? What rites do the monks perform? What are three zones in Bhutan? What is their marriage practice like? How do their living conditions affect their daily routine? How is power distributed throughout the culture? How does this culture differ from some of the other cultures we’ve studied?