📖 About Thimphu

Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan, nestled in the Himalayas at 2,320 meters elevation. With approximately 115,000 residents, this is one of the world's most unique capitals—the only one without traffic lights. Buildings must follow traditional Bhutanese architecture, giving the city a distinctive character.

Bhutan measures success through Gross National Happiness rather than GDP. The kingdom carefully controls tourism and modernization. Thimphu represents Himalayan Buddhism—dzongs (fortress-monasteries), traditional dress requirements, and a nation preserving culture while carefully engaging modernity.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Government is the largest employer. Tourism operates on high-value, low-volume principles with daily fees. Hydropower exports to India generate revenue. Traditional crafts provide employment. The economy prioritizes sustainability and happiness over pure growth.

Buddhist culture pervades everything—Dzongkha is the national language. Vajrayana Buddhism shapes daily life and governance. Traditional dress (gho for men, kira for women) is required in public. Architecture follows traditional codes. Food features chili and cheese (ema datshi). The culture values Buddhism, monarchy, and Gross National Happiness.

📜 History

The Thimphu valley was settled anciently. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal unified Bhutan in the 17th century, establishing the dzong system. Thimphu became capital in 1961, replacing the ancient capital Punakha.

The monarchy modernized carefully—television arrived only in 1999. The fourth king transitioned to constitutional monarchy (2008). Today Thimphu balances tradition and change—Buddhist kingdom, Gross National Happiness, and the world's most unique capital city.