People and economy

People

Bhutanese people consist of the Ngalops and Sharchops, called the Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese respectively. The Lhotshampa, meaning “southerner Bhutanese”, are a heterogeneous group of mostly Nepal ancestry. The Ngalops consist of Bhutanese living in the western part of the country. Their culture is closely related to that of Tibet. Much the same could be said of the Sharchops the dominant group, who traditionally follow the Nyingmapa rather than the official Drukpa Kagyu form of Tibetan Buddhism.

Economy

Bhutan’s economy is based on agriculture, forestry, tourism and the sale of hydroelectric power to India. Bhutan is often known to be the least developed country but it is also ranked first in South Asia for its economic freedom. Hydroelectricity becomes for the major share of its exports. Though Bhutan’s economy is one of the worlds smallest, it has grown rapidly in recent years mainly due to the establishment of the gigantic Tala Hydroelectric Power Station. Other source of income like Handicrafts, particularly weaving and the manufacture of religious art for home altars, are a small cottage industry. There are also weaving Centre for local women to earn by weaving garments using a blackstrap loom, and Paper Factory to excel the traditional art of paper making.Bhutan maintains diplomatic relations with 52 countries and the European Union. It is a member of the United Nations, SAARC, BIMSTEC and the Non Aligned Movement.