bhutan

• (kingdom of bhutan) principality in the himalayas (between china and india)
thekingdom of bhutan is a country in the himalayas, in southern asia. it was established as a buddhist theocracy in the 17th century, and the drukpa monasteries still hold considerable political power. the monarchy was established in 1907. king jigme singye wangchuck succeeded in 1972. there are no political parties. although independent, bhutan accepts india's guidance in foreign affairs. ethnic conflict between the majority drukpa population and the minority nepalese community has been a source of civil disorder. bhutan exports cement, minerals, timber, cardamom, and ginger.