Forgotten World (84): Bhutan
Bhutan is a tiny, remote and impoverished kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbours, India and China. Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has recently tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions. The population is only 672,000 and national dress is compulsory – the knee-length wrap-around “gho” for men and the ankle-length dress known as the “kira” for women.
The Wangchuk hereditary monarchy has wielded power since 1907 but, in 1999, the fourth king of Bhutan created a ten member body called the Lhengye Zhungtshog (Council of Ministers) and the country is set to make the switch to a two-party parliamentary democracy. Elections are scheduled for 2008 and a draft constitution envisages a two-chamber parliament.