Country Profiles: Bhutan Webquest Worksheet

This worksheet on Bhutan introduces students to the unique culture, environment, and governance of this Himalayan kingdom. Students begin with basic information such as the capital city Thimphu, the official language Dzongkha, population, and the national currency (Ngultrum). The geography section highlights Bhutan’s mountainous terrain, location between China and India, and natural features like the Himalayas, valleys, and rivers. Government and politics explores Bhutan’s constitutional monarchy, its king (Druk Gyalpo), and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness as a guiding principle of development. The economy section covers agriculture, hydropower, tourism, and handicrafts, while examining Bhutan’s sustainable development model. The culture and society portion highlights Buddhism as the dominant religion, traditional foods like ema datshi, vibrant festivals such as Tshechus, and Bhutanese art and music. Tourism highlights include the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and scenic trekking routes. Reflection questions encourage students to consider how Bhutan balances modernization with the preservation of cultural traditions and the environment.

Keywords: Bhutan, Thimphu, Himalayas, South Asia, Dzongkha, Gross National Happiness, constitutional monarchy, Druk Gyalpo, Buddhism, ema datshi, Tshechu festival, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, trekking, hydropower, sustainable development, tourism, geography, Model United Nations (MUN), reflection