Bhutan, nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming.

Despite the huge potential of its natural resources, Bhutan emerged as one of Asia's poorest countries, shunning the 'profit at all costs' mentality of the rest of the world. With one foot in the past and one in the future, it strolls confidently towards modernisation on its own terms.

Warning

It's a long, hard, winding slog to reach eastern Bhutan. To avoid the greying of hairs on the way back, many Bhutanese travel into India, cross the plains and re-enter Bhutan at Pheuntsholing. However, travel in Assam is seriously discouraged due to intense security problems posed by Indian separatist groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) who are seeking their own independent homeland. This route was closed to all foreigners except Indian Travelersin late 2001.

There is a highly visible Indian army presence in Assam. If you choose, or are forced by road closure, to travel through this area, take extreme caution. Do not take inspections lightly - the Indian army is under continuous attack and understandably jittery.

Full country name: Kingdom of Bhutan
Area: 47,000 sq km
Population: 2.13 million
People: Drukpas (Ngalops and Sharchops - 65%), indigenous or migrant tribes (15%), other
Language: Tibetan, Dzongkha, Nepali
Religion: Buddhist (75%), Hindu (25%)
Government: monarchy
Head of State: King (Druk Gyalpo) Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Head of Government: Prime Minister Yeshey Zimba

GDP: US$2.3 billion
GDP per capita: US$1,100
Annual Growth: 6.5%
Inflation: 7.4%
Major Industries: Cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, rice, corn, root crops, citrus, dairy products, eggs
Major Trading Partners: India, Bangladesh, Japan, UK, Germany, USA