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Bhutan information: Bhutan maps

2010-05-17T11:24:00.011+05:30

Bhutan information →Maps → Geography → Flag → Emblem and symbols → People - population → Culture → Dress → Wildlife

Location map (enlarge)
Bhutan is situated in the southern slopes and foot-hills of the eastern Himalayas. The kingdom is landlocked and located between the two great Asian nations of China and India.

Topography map of the Kingdom (enlarge)
The Indian State of Sikkim is located in the West, West Bengal in the South, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in the East; the Tibet region of China is located in the North.

Map showing neighboring countries (enlarge)

Bhutan map (enlarge)

Major cities and towns are Jakar, Mongar, Paro, Phuentsholing, Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Thimphu (the largest city and capital of Bhutan), Trashigang and Trongsa.

Map of major towns (enlarge)

Districts and Blocks

The kingdom is divided into four administrative divisions (dzongdey). Each zone is further divided into districts (dzongkhag). There are twenty districts. Large districts (dzongkhags) are further divided into sub-districts known as dungkhag. At the root level, groups of villages form a constituency blocks ( gewog) and are administered by a gup, an elected people representative.

Dzongkhags (districts) (enlarge)

Districts (Dzongkhags) of Bhutan

Bumthang
Chhukha (Chukha)
Dagana
Gasa
Haa
Lhuntse
Mongar
Paro
Pemagatsel (Pemagatshel)
Punakha
Samdrup Jongkhar
Samchi (Samtse)
Sarbhang (Sarpang)
Thimphu
Tashigang (Trashigang)
Trashiyangtse
Tongsa (Trongsa)
Chirang (Tsirang)
Wangdi Phodrang (Wangdue Phodrang)
Shemgang (Zhemgang)

resource : CIA - The world Factbook -Bhutan , Captain Blood, wikipedia

Bhutan pictures - Bhutan nature photos and images

2010-04-27T15:51:00.155+05:30

Kingdom of Bhutan history - origins → Buddhism religion in Bhutan Kingdom history → History of British influence on kingdom → History of Kingdom → Pictures of Kingdom of Bhutan

Bhutan pictures: View of Thimpu city

Pictures show the sprawling view of the city.

Thimpu, in the Thimpu District, is the capital city of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Thimpu is the largest city of Bhutan with a population of 98.676 (2005 PHCB).

Thimpu is located at an altitude of 7656ft (2320m).

Bhutan pictures: View of Thimpu city

Thimpu was a small settlement and King Jigme Dorje Wangchuk developed it to replace the ancient capital of Punakha.

Today, Thimpu is a sprawling city extending across the western slopes of the Wang Chuu river valley.

Bhutan pictures: Tashichoedzong - Thimpu- seat of Government

Tashichoe dzong is the 17th century monastery-fortress and is located on the northern end of the Thimpu city.

Bhutan pictures: Thimpu street lined up by taxis

Tashichoe dzong has been the center of the Government of Bhutan from 1952.

Several government buildings and offices are located around Tashichoe dzong.

Pictures of Bhutan: Chökhor Raptentse Dzong

Trongsa or Tongsa is a town in the Trongsa district.

Chökhor Raptentse Dzong at Trongsa was built in 1644.

It used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty.

Pictures of Bhutan: Taktsang Dzong

Taktsang Dzong (Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Monastery or The Tiger's Nest) is built in the year 1692.

It is a monastery of the Nyingma sect, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist sect and is located on the cliffside of Paro valley.

Pictures of Bhutan: Trashigang Monastery

Trashigang or Tashigang, is a town in eastern Bhutan and the district capital of the Trashigang (district).

A monastery was constructed on a cliff overlooking the town.

You can enlarge Pictures

Pictures of Bhutan: Punakha Dzong

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 when the Thimpu was made the capital.

Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong or Punakha Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38.

In 1907, the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan took place here.

Pictures of Bhutan: Haa Valley

Haa is a district in Bhutan and is sparsely populated. Haa valley is the major attraction in this district.

It is a steep valley running north south, and wheat, barley and to some extend rice is grown in the low lands of the valley.

Pictures of Bhutan: Gangkhar Puensum Mountains

The highest mountain in Bhutan is Gangkhar Puensum.

It is one of the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

It has elevation of 7570 metres and a prominence of over 2990 metres.

Pictures of the kingdom: Cham dancer

Bhutan mask dances locally known as cham are performed in festivities and are believed to bring good fortunes and blessings to the onlookers.

Pictures of the kingdom: Agricultural lands

Wheat, barley are the major crops cultivated in Bhutan.

Plains at the foot-hills, valley and mountain slopes are brought under agriculture.

Pictures of the kingdom: Phuentsoling town

Phuentsoling town is in the southern Bhutan and is on the border with India. Just opposite is the Indian town of Jaigaon. There is a thrieving cross border trade and the town has a population of 20,537 (as per 2005 census).

Pictures of Bhutan: National Library

The National Library of Bhutan (NLB), Thimphu,was established in 1967 under the patronage of HM Queen Ashi Phuntso Choden. It was started with small collection of precious documents. Its is established for the purpose of "preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and religious heritage" of the kingdom. New building shown in pictures.

Pictures of Bhutan: Chorten Memorial

The Memorial Chorten (the Thimphu Chorten), is a chorten (a stupa) located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city of Thimpu, near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital.

It built in 1974 honouring the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972).

It is a prominent landmark with its golden spires and bells.

Pictures of Bhutan: Tongsa town

View of the Trongsa (Tongsa) town, capital of the Trongsa district. Trongsa means 'new village' in Dzongkha language. Drukpa Kagyu lama, Ngagi Wangchuk had built the first temple here.

The monastery seen on the forefront of pictures. The only road connecting the eastern and western parts of the country passed through the courtyard of the monastery.

you can enlarge the pictures

Pictures of animals: Takin - National animal of Bhutan

Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is a goat antelope occuring in Eastern Himalayas. There are four subspecies of Budorcas taxicolor. The Bhutan Takin is Budorcas taxicolor whitei. They are 100 - 130 cm tall and weigh upto 650 kg. Takin is the national animal of the Kingdom.

Picturs of animals: Golden langur

Golden Langur or Gee's Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) was brought to attention of zoologists by E. P. Gee in 1050s. It is a Old World monkey found in a small region of the foothills of Black Mountains of Bhutan and western Assam region of India. It is one of the most endangered species of primates.

Pictures of animals: Clouded leopard

The Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized cat found south of the Himalayas and in Southeast Asia. They occupy tropical and sub-tropical forests at elevations upto 3000 metres. Clouded leopards are highly arboreal and they rest and hunt on the trees. It has a tan or tawny coat, and is distinctively marked with large, irregularly-shaped, dark-edged ellipses.

Picture of animals: Binturong

The Binturong (Arctictis binturong) are arboreal animals belonging to family Viverridae, which includes the civets and genets. They are found in the forests of Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Burma and south Asian countries. They primarily eat fruits and are also known to eat rodents and birds.

Pictures of Bhutan animals: Indian Rhinoceros

The Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) or the Great One-horned Rhinoceros or the Asian One-horned Rhinoceros is a herbivore and is primarily found in, Bhutan, north-eastern India, and Nepal. Their distribution is confined to the tall grasslands and forests in the foothills of the Himalayas. In the wild fully grown males are larger than females weighing from 2,000 to 3,000 kg.

Pictures of animals: Asiatic Elephant

The Asian or Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus), is the one of the endangered species of animals.

The elephants of Bhutan are mostly confined to the southern plains and foothills from Sipsu in the west to Dhansiri Chhu in the east along Indo- Bhutan border. In this kingdom the estimated elephant habitat is around 2,000sq.km and resident population about 60 to 100 animals.

Pictures of Bhutan animals: Indian leopard

The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed south of Himalayas on the Indian subcontinent. It is smallest of the four big cats namely lion, tiger and jaguar. They inhabit temperate forests and northern coniferous forests, dry deciduous forests and tropical rain forests. The are found up to an altitude of 2.500 m, bordering snow leopard habitat.

You can enlarge the pictures

pictures of birds: Indian cormorant

The Indian Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) belong to genus Phalacrocorax. They are found south of Himalayas in Bhutan, Nepal, India and south-west and south-eastern Asian countries. They are mostly resident birds, small and slender in size and measure upto 60 cm in length. They dive into the water and catch their prey, mainly fish.

Pictures of Bhutan Birds: Greylag goose

The Greylag Goose (Anser anser), also called Graylag Goose in US, belongs to the genus Anser.
These birds are distributed widely in the Old World. These birds have evolved for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers with oily coating so that they do not get wet. They have a rotund, bulky body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill.

Pictures of Bhutan birds: Parrots

Indian-ringnecked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri manillensis) originates from the southern Indian subcontinent and has naturalized populations worldwide. They are non-migratory and show gender dimorphism.In the wild, they usually feed on buds, berries, fruits, nuts,vegetables and seeds. Wild flocks also fly several miles to forage causing extensive damage to farmlands and orchards.

Pictures of Bhutan birds: Striated Heron

The Striated Heron (Butorides striata), also known as Mangrove Heron or Little Heron, is a small heron. It found to populate the low lands and water bodies of Bhutan. It is a resident non-migratory bird. However they are distributed all over the world.

Pictures courtesy: Christopher Fynn, juandazeng, Jean-Marie Hullot, Thomas Wanhoff, Doniv79, Vearl Brown, Tassilo Rau,Douglas J. McLaughlin.

Bhutan history - Bhutan king - Bhutan kingdom

2010-04-27T09:52:00.010+05:30

Kingdom of Bhutan history - origins → Buddhism religion in Bhutan Kingdom history → History of British influence on kingdom → History of Kingdom → Pictures of Kingdom of Bhutan

The establishment of the first king and Bhutan kingdom

After the British war on Bhutan and the subsequent treaty, in 1870s and 1880s competition and rivalry among the pro-British ponlop of Tongsa and pro-Tibetan ponlop of Paro renewed. This resulted in the ascendancy of the ponlop of Tongsa, Ugyen Wangchuck. He defeated his political rivals and enemies and united Bhutan amidst civil wars and rebellions during 1882-1885.
During this time, British to offset the Russian advances in Lhasa, wanted to open trade ties with Tibet.
Ugyen Wangchuck volunteered to accompany the British mission as a mediator and the Anglo-Tibetan Convention of 1904 was secured. In appreciation of his services Ugyen Wangchuck was knighted and accrued greater powers and emerged as a national leader of Bhutan.
He removed his rival, ponlop of Paro and established his supporter and relative belonging to Dorji family, in his place.
When the last shabdrung died in 1903 and a reincarnation did not appear till 1906 Ugyen Wangchuck took control of the civil administration of Bhutan.
In 1907 the 54th Druk Desi was forced to retire and shabdrung system came to an end.
In November 1907, in the assembly of heads of important families, leading Buddhist monks and government officials it was decided to do away with the 300 years old dual power system and Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the first hereditary king (Druk Gyalpo - Dragon King) of the kingdom of Bhutan, and he reigned from 1907 to 1926.
The top government position of gongzim (chief chamberlain), was created and the Dorji family became hereditary holders of the position in the kingdom.
King Ugyen Wangchuck, to protect the future of Bhutan Kingdom from China, entered into another treaty with British, the Treaty of Punakha, signed on January 8, 1910. The king of Bhutan agreed to be guided by the advice of the British Government in regard to external relations of the kingdom and the British agreed to double their annual stipend to 100,000 rupees and agreed to exercise no interference in the internal administration of Bhutan kingdom.
The first hereditary king of Bhutan is credited with many modernisation programmes of Bhutan Kingdom. Internal communications were improved, schools followed western-style, trade and commerce with India was encouraged and the Buddhist monastic system was revitalized in the kingdom.
King Ugyen Wangchuck died in 1926 and his son, Jigme Wangchuck succeeded him as King of Bhutan.

Reign of the second Bhutan King Jigme Wangchuck

King Jigme Wangchuck reigned between 1926 to 1952. The second King followed his fathers foot-steps and built more roads, dispensaries and modern schools. Monasteries and district administration were brought under royal control. However Bhutan Kingdom still remained isolated from the international community.
When India attained freedom from British rule, it became the defacto protector of the kingdom.
On 8th August 1949, Treaty of Friendship was signed between the Government of Bhutan and Government of India in similar terms of Treaty of Punaka.
Similar to treaty with British, India will not interfere in the internal affairs of Kingdom of Bhutan and India will also give subsidy of 500,000 rupees per annum.
Bhutan on its part will be guided by the India in its external affairs.

Reign of the third Bhutan king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck

The third Dragon king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, was enthroned in the year 1952. He made continued efforts to modernize Bhutan kingdom. His Europe educated wife, who was also cousin of the king of Sikkim, was of great support to him in his modernization programmes. The most important step in this aspect was the establishment of the National Assembly (the Tshogdu) in the year 1953. It was a welcome move towards a constitutional monarchy.
Major land reforms were taken up and slavery and serfdom were abolished. Judiciary was separated from the executive branch of government.
With Indian funding roads were constructed from the central Bhutan to Indian plains.
Many institutions like national museum, national library, national stadium and national archives were established in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The position of gongzim held by Dorji was upgraded to lonchen (prime minister).
During the period between 1962 and 1965 there was turmoil in the Bhutan Kingdom with assassination of Dorji when the King was in Switzerland for medical care.
Dorji's brother, Lhendup Dorji took over as acting lonchen. There was power struggle between the Dorji family and the Tibetan consort of the king.
This lead to the family of Dorji being exiled from the Bhutan Kingdom.
In July 1965 there was an assassination attempt on the king and the king pardoned the would-be assassins.
In May 1968 gave further powers to National assembly with power to remove ministers and the king himself.
In 1969 the king renounced his veto power and offered to step down if two-thirds of the legislature passes a no-confidence vote.
In 1971 after holding observer status for three years, the Kingdom of Bhutan was admitted to the United Nations.
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rule lasted until his death in July 1972.

Rein of the fourth Bhutan king Jigme Singye Wangchuck

Jigme Singye Wangchuck succeeded his father when he was seventeen years old. He was educated in India and Britain.
As his mother was the sister of the lonchen Jigme Palden Dorji, there was reconciliation between the royal family and the family of Dorji.
The formal coronation of the king took place in June 1974. When there was division of Pakistan, Bhutan kindom was among the first nations to recognise the new Nation of Bangladesh.
Bhutan kingdom gradually established diplomatic relations with other nations and started joining international organisations.
Many of the countries with which diplomatic relations were established provided aid for development of the Kingdom.
Official television broadcasting was introduced in Bhutan in 1999.
In the year 2003 with the help of Indian armed forces, Kingdom of Bhutan got rid of Indian separatist groups from its territory.
From 1988 Bhutan Kingdom is faced with the problem of citizenship of Nepali speaking residents now in UN refugee camps.
On 26th of March, 2005 a draft of the first Constitution of the kingdom was circulated and every citizen was requested to review it.
The fourth Druk Gyalpo, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, abdicted all his powers as King to his son Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on 14th December 2006.
It was prelude to prepare his son for the fulfledged transformation of Bhutan to a democratic form of government, slated for 2008.

Rein of the fifth Bhutan king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was educated at Yangchenphu Higher secondary school, Bhutan.
Khesar studied abroad at Phillips Academy (Andover, Massachusetts), Cushing Academy and Wheaton College in Massachusetts, United States.
Then he graduated from Magdalen College, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, where he completed the Foreign Service Program and an MPhil in Politics.
He became king on 14 December 2006, and was officially crowned as king on 6 November 2008.
King of Bhutan signed a new treaty with India in February 2007, replacing the earlier 1949 treaty.
The kingdom of Bhutan held its first general elections on March 2008 for the National Assembly.
Of the two political parties contesting the elections, Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party won 45 of the seats and the the two members of People's Democratic Party won the remaining 2 seats.
Jigme Yoser Thinley was elected to head the Government of the kingdom and is holding the post of Lyonchen (prime minister).
king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as Head of the Kingdom of Bhutan is embarked upon further modernizing the kingdom and achieving 'gross national happiness'.

Bhutan history - British influence

2010-04-26T15:13:00.008+05:30

Bhutan history - origins → Buddhism religion in Bhutan history → History of British influence → History of Kingdoms → Pictures of Bhutan

The British influence of the Bhutan (Drukyul) history started in the late 1700 A.D.
The Cooch Bihar region in the north east region of India was an Independent kingdom and on request from the king of Cooch Bihar, Drukyul helped the kingdom against the Mughals; history records inform of Cooch Bihar becoming a dependency of Drukyul.
However, as a twist in history, in 1772 a succession dispute arose in Cooch Bihar and British troops invaded it and made it their dependency.
The history chronicles inform of Bhutanese being driven out of Cooch Bihar. Druk Desi appealed for help from Tibet against the British.
However the request for the help was turned down and the revival of the old Tibet's claim on the territory of Bhutan was made by the Panchen Lama of Tibet.
This made the Druk Desi to make a peace treaty with British resulting in this country returning to pre 1730 borders and allowing Britain to harvest timber from the territory of Bhutan.
In 1784 British passed on the control of Bengal Duars territory to Bhutan for certain annual tribute payments.

The boundary was not clear-cut and Drukyul defaulted in payments.
In 1834 Britain invaded Drukyul and reclaiming the Duars territory in 1841 paid an annual payment of 10,000 rupees to Bhutan.
In 1852 Bhutan demanded increased compensation which was turned down and the British reduced the compensation to 3000 rupees.
In 1862 Drukyul raided Cooch Bihar and Sikkim and British withheld the payments and demanded return of the territory.

Bhutan did not respond to the demands and further rejected the peace treaty offered in 1864.
This lead to Britain declaring war in November 1864.
As per history records fighting went on for nearly five months and Drukyul was defeated.
History records inform us that In November 11, 1865 the treaty of Sinchula was signed.

Drukyul ceded the territories of Dewangiri, Bengal duars and Assam. In return Britain paid a subsidy of 50,000 rupees annually.
In 1885, Ugyen Wangchuck to protect the nation from further threats, sided with British forces and helped in securing the Anglo-Tibetan Convention in the year 1904.
In the year 1907 the history old Shabdrung system was put to an end and Ugyen Wangchuck was elected as the first hereditary monarch of Bhutan.
Ugyen Wangchuck, on January 1910 made history by entering into a new treaty.

In this Treat of Punakha, British agreed to increase the annual stipend to 100,000 rupees and agreed not to interfere in the internal affairs of Bhutan.
Bhutan, in return, agreed to be guided by the advice of the British government in regard to its external relations.

With peace all around and with British protection energies and resources were channeled by the king for modernisation of Drukyul and revitalizing its monastic system.
With the Independence of India, again history was made when Bhutan signed the Treaty of Friendship between the government of Bhutan and the Government of India.

It was in similar terms of non interference in the internal affairs of Bhutan and being guided by India in external relations.

Bhutan history - Bhutan religion - Buddhism

2010-04-26T10:37:00.015+05:30

Bhutan history - origins → Buddhism religion in Bhutan history → History of British influence → History of Kingdoms → Pictures of Bhutan

The early history of Bhutan was chronicled in the scriptures of Buddhism. Many of these documents were lost in fires in 1828 and 1832. More manuscripts were lost in the earth quake of 1897 and arson in 1907.
The history has to be pieced together from the reports and letters of foreign visitors, legends and folklore and a few remains of documents which escaped the calamities.

Bhutan history: Introduction of Buddhism religion in Bhutan

It is believed that Buddhism was introduced into Bhutan in early 200 A.D. However scholars in Bhutan history agree that in 7th century A.D., the first temples were constructed establishing the evidence of spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.
History tells us that Srongtsenn Gampo, a Tibetan king built two Buddhism temples, one in Central Bhutan (Bumthang) and another in Paro valley (Kyichu).
Chronicled history say that, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), was a great tantric master of Buddhism religion from India. He was sent for by the king of Bumthang (Sendha Gyab) to get rid of a demon.
The folklore say that the Buddhism monk cured the king and converted both the king and the demon into Buddhism.
In the history of Bhutan, during the 8th century A.D., there was a exodus of monks from the Tibet region into Bhutan as the ruler of Tibet had banned the religion of Buddhism.
Thus the religion of Buddhism got firm footing in Bhutan and existed along with the original Bon religion of the region.

Bhutan history: establishment of monasteries of Buddhism and rise of religion in the rule of the nation

During the period between 9th and 17th centuries Bhutan remained a network of loosely connected regions ruled by local chieftains, noble families and ruling clans; Bon and Buddhism were followed.
In 842 A.D., the persecutor of Buddhism, Langdharma, was assassinated and Buddhism again flourished in Tibet.
The Tibetan Lama Tsangpa Gyarey Yeshe Dorji (AD 1161–1211) founded the Drukpa Kagyu lineage monastery order in Ralung.
However these sect of monks were persecuted by the rivals belonging to Gelug lineage in Tibet.
So 11th and 12th centuries saw exodus Drukpa monks from Tibet into Bhutan.
The Drukpa lamas settled and established monasteries in
the Western Bhutan; wielding influence among the locals became power centers.
Many of these lamas established their own sub sects.
Gyalwa Lhanangpa founded the Lhapa Kagyu lineage and established the Tango Goemba monastery.

From Ralung monastery in Tibet,a disciple of Lama Tsangpa Gyarey, Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo (1184–1251) came to Bhutan and defeating lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa, wrested control of Tango Goemba monastery.
He converted many people to the Drukpa Kagyu school of thoughts and established the Bhutanese form of Buddhism.
The period between 13th and 16th centuries in Bhutan's history saw the visits by many monks and tertons from Ralung and establishment of many monasteries and flourishing of the religion.
However the politically the region was still in the hands of local leaders and the monasteries were competing with one another for exerting influence.

The rise of Zhabdrung Rinpoche as supreme authority in Bhutan

In 1616 A.D., a descendant of Tsangpa Gyarey Yeshe Dorji (founder of Drukpa Kagyu lineage), Ngawang Namgyal (1594–1651) came to Bhutan from Tibet (Ralung).
He travelled through out Bhutan teaching the religion of Buddhism and soon gained popularity and political clout.
He, with the title of Zhabdrung Rinpoche, established himself as the ruler of Bhutan.
His rule was opposed by rivals from other lineages and his monastery Simtokha Dzong was attacked in 1629. The attacks were repelled and further attacks were mounted with the help of Tibetans. With repeated defeats the opposition diminished and in 1639 Tibet recognised Ngawang Namgyal as the ruling authority in Bhutan.
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, strengthened his power by establishing relations with the neighbouring kingdoms of Nepal, Ladakh and Cooch Bihar.
During his rule, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, established many monasteries in Bhutan.
In the year 1644 Tibetans along with Mongols attacked Bumthang region and were defeated.
In 1648 and 1649, the powerful Dalai Lama 'Great Fifth' tried to invade Bhutan and was defeated.
The defeat of Tibetans further consolidated the position of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

The religion and administrative system of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal

He appointed Mingyur Tenpa as governor (penlop) of Trongsa. Mingyur Tenpa brought the remaining regions of Bhutan under the effective control of Ngawang Namgyal.

Trongsa Zong (enlarge)
Ngawang Namgyal, to have a separate religion and cultural identity, formulated many traditions, national dress, customs and ceremonies.
He also formed laws to define lay man, religion and monk and also established a system of taxes and compulsory labour for religion.
He separated the administration of the State into two wings; religion and administration. Zhabdrung Rinpoche handled the spiritual and Buddhism religion aspects of the nation.
The position of Desi was created who is an elected ruler. He was given the responsibilities of handling administrative, political and external affairs aspects of the nation.
Further a position of Je Khenpo, which was equal in status to desi, was established to look after the monastic establishment of the Buddhism religion.
Tenzin Drugyey (1591–1656), a Buddhism monk from Ralung Monastry was the first Desi and he established the system of districts and sub districts governed by Penlop (governor) and dzongpens (lords).
In 1651, in Punakha Dzong, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal went into retreat and passed away. However his death was concealed till 1705 to keep the unity of the nation.

Then the belief of reincarnation of Zhabdrung in three forms namely (ku sung thug - body, speech and mind) was introduced in the Buddhism religion. The reincarnation of the mind of Zhabdrung was considered as the head of the Buddhism state.

The next 200 years of Bhutan's Buddhism history saw great turmoil and internal strife for power. There were six mind reincarnations and 55 Desis of whom 22 desis were assassinated by rivals in the Buddhism religion.
There were invasions by Tibet and finally a truce was initiated by lamas from Tibet and the rivalries died down and the mind incarnation of the Zhabdrung continued as ruler.

The Buddhism history of Bhutan next came under the influence of British in India. This is discussed separately in another post.
Then in 1907, the hereditary ruler of Bhutan was elected and the kingdom was established in Bhutan (Discussed in detail in another post) with state religion as Buddhism.

Other religions in Bhutan

Many Nepalese have migrated and settled in Southern Bhutan and their religion is Hinduism. Temples of Hindu religion exist in Thimpu and southern regions.
The pre Buddhism religion, Bon religion has merged with Buddhism of Bhutan and there are no exclusive practicer of this religion.
Christians are scattered throughout the country in small groups and most of them practise their religion at home; only one building is there functioning as church.
There is a small population in Bhutan practising the religion of Islam.
Vajrayāna Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan.

Image courtesy: Thomas Wanhoff

Bhutan: History of Bhutan - Origins and early inhabitants

2010-04-09T16:51:00.016+05:30

Bhutan history - origins and early history → Buddhism in Bhutan → History of British influence → History of Kingdoms → Pictures of Bhutan

Bhutan, the mysterious land locked country, is cradled between the Himalayan mountains in the west and north and is extending to sub-tropical plains on the south bordering North India.

The origins and the early history of Bhutan is steeped in mythology with mystery tales of supernatural powers. The mythology and folklore take one to a dream land of ghosts, spirits, yetis, lamas reincarnated in three bodies, saints flying on tigers, angels rebuilding the temples destroyed by demons.

Archaeological studies give us some knowledge about the Bhutan before the recorded history. Archaeological remains of weapons and stone tools, megaliths and ruins of large structures built with stones (probably used as boundary stones and ritual places) were found providing us clues about a civilisation way back in 2000 BC. Absence of any evidence of neolithic origin, rules out earlier inhabitation of these regions.

Map of Bhutan (enlarge)
Historians theorize the existence of pre history state of Monyul (meaning dark land) or Lhomon (meaning southern darkness). It is believed that this land was populated by fierce mountain aboriginal people (probably related to Monpa tribals of Bhutan).
These tribals were of neither the Mongol or Tibetian stock. The people of Monyul practiced Bon, a Shamanistic religion with the belief that shamans(medicine men) are intermediaries between the humans and the spirits. Shamans are believed to alleviate illness and traumas affecting the spirit and body.
The Monyul state was believed to have existed between 500 BC and 600 AD.
The legends in history narrate about a mighty Monyul king, who invaded and subjugated the Bihar, Bengal and Assam regions now belonging to India.

Some native scholars while referring to their home land used the names Lhomon Khashi (southern Mon country of four approaches) and Lhomon Tsendenjong (southern Mon sandalwood country) which are found in the ancient in Tibetian and Bhutanese chronicles.

Since seventeenth century, it is evident from history that the traditional name of Bhutan has been Drukyul meaning land of Drukpa.
The name Bhutan is used only in official correspondence in English language.
The origin of the name Bhutan is suggested by history scholars as a variant of Sanskrit language words Bhota-ant (end of Bhot or Tibet) or Bhu-uttan (highlands).
The entry of Bhuddism changed the basic culture of Monpa natives.

Bhutan wildlife - pictures

2009-12-17T12:59:00.023+05:30

Information-flag-map > History-kingdom-government > Population-culture-religion > Tour-holiday-travel-tourism >Bhutan Wildlife-pictures

With a forest cover of over 60% of surface area, Bhutan is endowed with rich varieties of wildlife.

There are 55 endangered wildlife species in Bhutan. Many mammals are found. Some of the wild mammals found in the country are:

Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) - National animal (enlarge)

Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus) (enlarge)

Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) (enlarge)

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) (enlarge)

leopard (Panthera pardus) (enlarge)

Binturong (Arctictis binturong) (enlarge)

Asian One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) (enlarge)

A big fauna of birds also are found in Bhutan. Hundreds of birds have been listed. Some of the birds are:

Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) (enlarge)

Indian Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) (enlarge)

Striated Heron (Butorides striata) (enlarge)

Greylag Goose (Anser anser) (enlarge)

Image courtesy: Eileen Delhi, Douglas J. McLaughlin, William L. Devanney, Christopher J. Fynn, Fir0002, Doniv79, L. Shyamal, Lemmikkipuu, edglickman, Tassilo Rau, Kristof vt, J.M.Garg, Dario Sanches, MichaelMagg

Information about Bhutan - flag - map

2009-12-17T10:05:00.013+05:30

Information-flag-map > History-kingdom-government > Population-culture-religion > Tour-holiday-travel-tourism > Wildlife-pictures

Greetings to the Citizens of the Kingdom of Bhutan on their national Day (Ugyen Wangchuck elected hereditary king 1907).

Brief Information

Name	Kingdom of Bhutan
Region	South Central Asia
Language	Dzongkha
Currency	Ngultrum (BTN)
Population	658,000
Surface area	38394 sq.km
Capital city	Thimphu
UN Membership date	September 21 1971

Map of Bhutan

Information about map of Bhutan
It is landlocked nation situated at the border of Himalaya Mountains, bordered by China on the north and by India on the east, south and west. It landscape consists of sub-tropical plains of the south and northern Himalayan heights.

Flag of Bhutan

Information about flag of Bhutan
It shows a white dragon over a orange and yellow background. The lower triangle is orange in colour and the upper triangle is yellow in colour.

National Emblem
General information about the country

It has 68% area as forests and has 55 threatened species.The mean total rainfall of this country is 799 mm. and mean temperature for the year is 14-24.3 degree Celsius. Ngultrum is the legal national currency of this nation and is pegged to Indian rupee, which also accepted in the country as legal tender. The economy is based mostly on agriculture, forestry and tourism. It is the second fastest growing economy in the world with growth rate of 22.4%. By sale of hydroelectric power to India substantial income is generated.

OCTOBER 28: Czech Republic: a date with history

2009-10-28T05:02:00.027+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Czech Republic on their Independence Day.

Map of Czech Republic
Name: Czech Republic
Region: Eastern Europe
Official language:
Currency: Czech Koruna(CZK)
Population: 10186,000
Surface area: 78866 sq.km
Capital city: Prague
UN Membership date: January 19, 1993
Tourism: Czech Republic has a growing tourism industry offering medieval places and castles and mountaineering as tourist attractions.

Flag of Czech Republic

Coat of Arms of Czech Republic

Prague castle

Charles Bridge, Prague

A metro station in Prague

Tourist crowd in Prague

Prague

Wenceslas Square at night

Sait Wenceslas Square

Prague Castle at night

Wenceslas Square

Vltava in Prague

Vltava view

Sance Dam

Kralivky Snezik Mountains

Grey wolf

European Hare

Beaver

Polecats

Yellow billed Loon

Squacco Heron

Spoon bill

Red-breasted goose

Little Grebe

Image courtesy: Marek Stransky, Daniel Baránek, Stefan Bauer, che, :Aktron, Adam Zivner, Chosovi, Autocracy, Malene Thyssen, Chris Muiden, Ansgar Walk, Per Harald Olsen, Len Blumin, de:Benutzer:BS Thurner Hof, Mark S Jobling, J.M.Garg and wikipedia

OCTOBER 27: Republic of Turkmenistan: a date with history

2009-10-27T11:59:00.025+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Turkmenistan on their Independence Day.

Map of Turkmenistan
Name: Republic of Turkmenistan
Region: South-central Asia
Official language: Turkmen
Currency: Turkmen Mant (TMM)
Population: 4965,000
Surface area: 488100 sq.km
Capital city: Ashgabat
UN Membership date: March 2, 1992
Tourism: State Historical and Cultural Park"Ancient Merv", Kunya-Urgench and Parthian Fortress of Nisa are world heritage sites in Turkmenistan.

Flag of Turkmenistan

Coat of Arms of Turkmenistan

Assembly building, Ashgabat

Ak Bugday Museum

Ashgabat, Ertugrul Gazi Mosque

Independence Monument, Ashgabat

Oil ministry building

Nyyazow monument

Presidential Palace, Ashgabat

Russian Bazaar

Urgench Sultan Mausoleum (World Heritage site)

Parthian Fortresses of Nisa (World Heritage Site)

Ancient Merv Historical and Cultural Park (World Heritage Site)

Cheetah

Eurasian Lynx

Mouflon goat

Saige antelope

Desert lark

Eurasian Eagle Owl

Herring gull

Green woodpecker

Image courtesy: Doluca, Kolanin, Gilad Rom, Doluca, Mark and Delwen, Abalg, Volker.G, Bernard Landgraf, schani, Tim Herfurth, Sven Teschke, Softeis, Kulac and wikipedia

OCTOBER 26: The Republic of Austria: a date with history

2009-10-26T09:02:00.029+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Austria on their National Day.

Map of Austria
Name: Republic of Austria
Region: Western Europe
Official language: German, Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Population: 8361,000
Surface area: 83871 sq.km
Capital city: Vienna
UN Membership date: December 14, 1955
Tourism: Tourism accounts for nearly 10% of the Austria's GDP. 21 million tourists visited the country. World heritage sites, numerous lakes and sports like skiiing, mountaineering and hiking in the Alps are the main tourist attractions. Hotels and resorts are avilable for the tourist stay.

Flag of Austria

Coat of Arms of Austria

Vienna, capital city

Vienna, capital city of Austria

Athena statue in front of Austria Parliament

Belvedere palace

Schonbrunn Palace, world heritage site

Lentos Arts Museum, Linz city

Danube in Linz

Graz clock tower, World heritage site

Innsbruck

Salzburg, world heritage site

Schrocken town (by Bohringer)

Anton am Arlberg

Moose

Golden jackal

Mountain Hare

Red squirrel

Great Northern Loon

Glossy Ibis

Great cormorant

Purple Heron

Tundra swan

Western Capercaillie (by Richard Bartz)

Image courtesy: Mathias Bigge, ninanuri, Gryffindor, Mwinog2777, Thomas Pintaric, Fabien1309, AlanWolfe, Profberger, Alan D. Wilson, Cephas, JH-man, Debivort and wikipedia

OCTOBER 25: The Republic of Kazakhstan: a date with history

2009-10-25T10:26:00.031+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan on their Republic Day.

Map of Kazakhstan
Name: Republic of Kazakhstan
Region: South-central Asia
Currency: Tenge (KZT)
Official language: Kazakh and Russian
Surface area: 2724900 sq.km
Population: 15422,000
Capital city: Astana
UN Membership date: March 2, 1992
Tourism: Old cities, world heritage sites and ski sports are the main tourist attractions in Kazakhstan.

Flag of Kazakhstan

Coat of Arms of Kazakhstan

Astana, capital city of Kazakhstan

Office complex in kazakhstan

Bayterek tower, Astana

Beyterek tower

Nur Astana Mosque

Modern Almaty city.

Almaty city

Street in Almaty

Aktau city

Aktau Port

Baikonur Cosmodrome

Soyuz launch

Sharyn river canyon (by Jona Satkauskas)

Shymbylak ski resort

Shymbulak ski area

Kaindy lake (by Jonas Satkauskas)

Mausoleum Khoja Ahmed Yasavi, World heritage site

Steppe and lakes of northern Kazakhstan, world heritage site

Tamgaly world heritage site (by Jonas Satkauskas)

Snow Leopard

Red fox

Wild horses

Wild stork

Red throated loon

Horned grebe

Dalmatian pelican

Images courtesy: Amanante, de:Benutzer:Sosa, Shalakazakh, Artiom Kniazev, FixerKZ, BernardTom, Ashkazakh, msykos, Vmenkov, Doug Janson,Marek Szczepanek and wikipedia

OCTOBER 24: The Republic of Zambia

2009-10-24T16:37:00.022+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Zambia on their Independence Day.

Map of Zambia
Name: Republic of Zambia
Region: Eastern Africa
Currency: Kwacha (ZMK)
Official language: English
Surface area: 752618 sq.km
Population: 11922,000
Capital city: Lusaka
UN Membership date: DEcember 1, 1964
Tourism: Wild life tourism industry is an important revenue earner for Zambia

Flag of Zambia

African fishing eagle, National bird of Zambia

Lusaka, capital of Zambia

Lusaka street

Zambia landscape

Victoria falls Zambia

Victoria falls

Victoria falls dry season

Aerial view of Victoria falls

Kalambo falls

Black rhino

Lionesses found in Zambia

Sable antelope

Yellow baboon

Secretary bird

Ostriches

Little egret

Greater flammingo

Grey crowned crane

Images courtesy: Zest-pk, Worldtraveller, Florence Devouard, Mike Rosenberg, Paul Mannix, Yoky, Paulmaz, Mehmet Karatay, Birdman1, snowmanradio and wikipedia

OCTOBER 23: The Republic of Hungary

2009-10-23T01:12:00.028+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Hungary on their National Day.

Map of Hungary
Name: Republic of Hungary
Region: Eastern Europe
Currency: Forint (HUF)
Official language: Hungarian
Surface area: 93032 sq.km
Population: 10030,000
Capital city: Budapest
UN Membership date: DEcember 14, 1955

Flag of Hungary

Coat of Arms of Hungary

Budapest, Capital city of Hungary

Budapest at night

Budapest Aerial view

Heroes Square, Budapest

Budapest castle by night

Budapest chain bridge

Duna tower, Budapest

Opera house

Metro station, Budapest

Lanchid bridge in Budapest

Parliament Building, Budapest

Palace of Eszterhaza

Independence bridge, Budapest

Aquincum Museum

Megyeri Bridge

Koroshegy bridge

Esztergom Suzuki plant

Zagyva river valley

Sunset at Balaton lake

Hills in Baranya county, Hungary

Image courtesy: Pilgab, Susulyka, Fguerraz, Matěj Baťha, Naspolya22, Stipkovits Fülöp, Dino Quinzani, uzo19 and wikipedia

OCTOBER 10: Republic of the Fiji Islands

2009-10-10T01:17:00.001+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of the Fiji Islands on their Fiji Day.

Map of Fiji
Name: Republic of the Fiji Islands
Region: Oceania-Malanesia
Currency: Fiji Dollar (FJD)
Official language: English, Bau Fijian, Hindi
Surface area: 18272 sq.km
Population: 839,000
Capital city: Suva
UN Membership date: October 13, 1970

Flag of Fiji

Coat of Arms of Fiji

Suva , capital city of Fiji

Simla, Lautoka town

Savusavu town

Fijian village

Mondriki, Fiji

Sigatoka river

Silk tail

Pacific black duck

Orange dove

Great frigate bird

White tern

Eastern reef egret

Parrot finch

Collared lories

Frazer's dolphins

Image courtesy: Kelisi, Merbabu, Heinz Albers, The Wild West guy, Doron, Aviceda, Glen Fergus and wikipedia

OCTOBER 9: The Republic of Uganda :a date with history

2009-10-09T03:55:00.026+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Uganda on their Independence Day.

Map of Uganda
Name: Republic of Uganda
Region: East Africa
currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX)
Official language: English and Swahili
Surface area: 241038 sq.km
Population: 30884,000
Capital city: Kampala
UN Membership date: October 25, 1962
Tourism: Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site located in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site.
The endangered mountain gorilla, the bulkiest of living primates, is Uganda’s star attraction in wildlife tourism.
A number of resorts and hotels are available in Kampala and other cities for tourist's stay.

Flag of Uganda

Grey crowned crane, National bird of Uganda

Skyline of Kampala, Capital city of Uganda

Kampala at night

Suburban Kampala

Entebbe aerial view

Mount Kadam

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a World Heritage Site

Rwenzori Mountains National Park is a World Heritage Site

Kampala Kasubi Tombs is World Heritage Site

Mountain Gorilla

Lioness

Malachite kingfisher

Impala

Hippopotamus

Hadada Ibis

Grey crowned crane

Giraffe

Gemsbok

Eastern gorilla

Common moor hen

Colobus angolensis monkey

African open bill

Image courtesy: Tom Tarrant, Eright, not not phil, Omoo, Hendrik Dacquin, Ryan E. Poplin, Han Olff, Hans Hillewaert, Falense, Pbrundel, Miroslav Duchacek, Mila, Tom Tarrant, Dawidl, PetterLundkvist, TKnoxB and wikipedia

OCTOBER 8: Republic of Croatia: a date with history

2009-10-08T01:22:00.032+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Croatia on their Independence Day.

Map of Croatia
Name: Republic of Croatia
Region: Southern Europe
Currency: Kuna (HRK)
Official language: Croatian
Surface area: 56538 sq.km
Population: 4555,000
Capital city: Zagreb
UN Membership date: May 22, 1992
Tourism: Historic Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian, Old City of Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Episcopal Complex of the Euphrasian Basilica in the Historic Centre of Poreč, Historic City of Trogir, Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik and Stari Grad Plain on the Adriatic island of Hvar are World Heritage Sites in Croatia.
Tourism is well developed in Croatia and more than ten million tourists visit Croatia.
Beaches and resorts and water sports, are very popular.

Flag of Croatia

Coat of Arms of Croatia

Dalmatian, national animal of Croatia

Zagreb, Capital city of Croatia

Zagreb skyline

Croatian National Theater, Zagreb

Croatian Assembly

Euro Tower in Zagreb

Zagreb bypass

Zagrebacka avenue, Zagreb

Lucice bay near Milna

Makarska city

Kornati Island

Split city

Beach in Split city

Bridge across the river Drava, Osijek city

Rijeka city carnival

Great Lake Island of Mljet, Croatia

Beach in Brela

View of Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lake National Park

Plitvice Lake is World Heritage Site

Water falls at Plitvice Lakes

Trakoscan castle

Stoat

Otter

Northern Gannets

Great white pelican

Cattle Egret

Beaver

Image courtesy: Croatian Parliament, Axel Heymann, my k750i, T.A. Willemsen, MayaSimFan, Sucrine, Ivana, Per Harald Olsen, Catherine Trigg, Raul654, Al Wilson, Cburnett, snupix, Suradnik13, Modzzak, Samir Budimcic, Heinz Höfling and wikipedia

OCTOBER 5: The Portuguese Republic: a date with history

2009-10-05T01:55:00.035+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Portuguese Republic on their Republic day.

Map of Portugal
Name: Portuguese Republic
Region: Southern Europe
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official language: Portuguese
Surface area: 92090 sq.km
Population: 10623,000
Capital city: Lisbon
UN Membership date: December 14, 1955
Tourism: There are 13 world heritage sites in Portugal.

Flag of Portugal

Coat of Arms of Portugal

Rooster, national bird of Portugal

Lisbon, Capital city of Portugal

Vasco Da Gama Bridge, Lisbon

Pombal Square, Lisbon

Lisbon discoveries mark

Lisbon castle

Edward V11 Park

Portuguese Parliament

Porto city

Porto down town

Porto Metro Train

Ruins of Roman Temple at Evora, Potugal

Vila Nova de Gaia town

View of Braga city

Mount Pico

City of Amadora

Serra da Estrela Mountain

Cape Roca light house

Guimaraes Castle, the cradle of Portugal

Laurislva forest is World Heritage Site

Praia da Marinha, Algarve

Douro valley landscape

Lagoon in Island of Sao Miguel

European Hedgehog

Spooon bill

Red deer

Roe deer

Bald Ibis

Mute Swan

Greater flamingoes

Bean Goose

Image courtesy: Remi Jouan, ho visto nina volare, Alvesgaspar, Michael Fernandes, YBnormal2day13, Alvesgaspar, Husond, antlewis, Fernando Tomás, Catarina Carvalho, Osvaldo Gago, Gustavo Motta, Jcornelius, Thorsten Bachner, Hrald, Marek Szczepanek, Bill Ebbesen, Creando, Manfred Heyde and wikipedia

OCTOBER 4: The Kingdom of Lesotho: a date with history

2009-10-04T01:02:00.000+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Kingdom of Lesotho on their Independence Day.

Map of Lesotho
Name: Kingdom of Lesotho
Region: Southern Africa
Currency: Loti(LSL)
Official language: English and Sesotho
Surface area: 30355 sq.km
Population: 2008,000
Capital city: Maseru
UN Membership date: October 17, 1966
Tourism: Lancer's Gap, Katse dam, Sani Pass, the Maluti Mountains, Afriski resort and Thaba Bosiu located a short distance from Maseru are Lesotho's major tourist attractions.

Flag of Lesotho

Coat of Arms of Lesotho

Maseru, capital of Lesotho

Basotho hat shop in Maseru

Lesotho Landscape

Sani pass in Lesotho

Road connecting Sani pass in Lesotho

Maluti mountains in Lesotho

Afriski resort in Maluti mountains, Lesotho

Leopard

Intermediate egret

Chacma baboon

Cape hyrax

African darter

Image courtesy: Zscout370, Tjeerd Wiersma, Jacovt, Hans Hillewaert (Lycaon), Hans Hillewaert, Profberger, Susann Eurich (Kilara), Brett Donald, Michael Denne, Jacovt1 and wikipedia

OCTOBER 2: International Day of Non-Violence - Gandhi Jayanthi

2009-10-02T02:43:00.015+05:30

UN declares 2 October, Gandhi’s birthday, as International Day of Non-Violence.
15 June 2007 – The United Nations General Assembly today decided to observe the International Day of Non-Violence each year on 2 October – the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world." (Un News Centre)

The resolution by the General Assembly asked all members of the UN to commemorate 2 October in "an appropriate manner and disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness."
Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi in his boyhood

Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa

Mahatma Gandhi serving in the Indian Ambulance Corps in Boer war 1899

Mahatma Gandhi with wife Kasturibhai

Mahatma Gandhi started non violent movement

Mahatma Gandhi at Dandi, South Gujarat picking salt on the beach in protest against salt tax

Gandhi Memorial

Sabamathi Ashram

Room of Gandhi in Sabarmathi Ashram

Gandhi Smriti (earlier Birla House)(by James G.howes)

Martyr's column where Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated (by James G.Howes)

Mahatma Gandhi's ashes kept at Pune

Images courtesy: Dave Morris, http://www.flickr.com/photos/chromatic_aberration, Humayunn N A Peerzaada and wikipedia

OCTOBER 2: The Republic of Guinea: a date with history

2009-10-02T01:19:00.021+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Guinea on their Independence Day.

Map of Guinea
Name: Republic of Guinea
Region: West Africa
Currency: Guinean Franc (GNF)
Official language: French
Surface area: 245857 sq.km
Population: 9370,000
Capital city: Conakry
UN Membership date: December 12, 1958
Tourism: Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve is UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Flag of Guinea

Coat of Arms of Guinea

Conakry, Capital city of Guinea

Conakry mosque

Conakry Palace of People

Kissidougou town market

Nzerekore town

Yellow fronted canary

White wagtail

Parasitic weaver

Lion

Lesser Flamingo

killer whales

Hoopoe (by Luc Viatour)

Hardebeest

Guinea baboon

Greater blue eared glossy starling

Diana monkey

Chimpanzee

Images courtesy: MJM Keating, Global Photographer, Cburnett, Christoph Aeschlimann, CharlesLam, Alan Manson, Lip Kee Yap, Andreas Trepte and wikipedia

OCTOBER 1: People's Republic of China: a date with history

2009-10-01T02:49:00.035+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the People's Republic of China on their National Day.

Map of China
Name: People's Republic of China
Region: East Asia
Currency: Yuan (CNY)
Official language: chinese
Surface area: 9596961 sq.km
Population: 1328630,000
Capital city: Beijing
UN Membership date: October 24, 1945
tourism: There are nearly forty World Heritage Sites in China.

Flag of China

Emblem of China

Giant Panda, National animal of China

Crane, National bird of China

Golden pheasant in China

Beijing, Capital city of China

Beijing Financial Street

National Centre of Performing Arts, Beijing

Beihai park in Beijing

Beijing Botanical Garden

Hong Kong night skyline

Hong Kong University

Nanjing city skyline

Shanghai's Lujiazui skyline

Tianjin city skyline

Forbidden city

Changchun city

Great Wall of China

Misty view of Great Wall of China

Great Wall

Terracotta Army

Xian museum

South China Sea at Hainan

Rapeseed flower field in China

Lijiang river

Farmlands

White eared pheasant

Tiger

Red crowned crane

Giant Panda

Clouded leopard

Asiatic black bear

image courtesy: Ariel Steiner, earth photos, Fanghong, Zhang Zhang, Shinewood, ASDFGHJ, Godofnanjing, Baycrest, samxli, Pixar, ReadyForTomorrow, gongfu king, Saad Akhtar, CobbleCC, Vera & Jean-Christophe, Base64, CarolSpears, Matthew Field, Bernard Landgraf, Guérin Nicolas, Sputnikcccp, Snowyowls and wikipedia.

OCTOBER 1: Federal Republic of Nigeria: a date with history

2009-10-01T02:00:00.027+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on their Independence Day.

Map of Nigeria

Name: Federal Republic of Nigeria
Region: West Africa
Currency: Naira (NGN)
Official language: English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba
Surface area: 923768 sq.km
Population: 148093,000
Capital city: Abuja
UN Membership date: October 7, 1960
Tourism: Sukur Cultural Landscape is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove is UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Flag of Nigeria

Eagle National bird of Nigeria

Mosque in Abuja, capital city of Nigeria

Abuja

Abuja overview

Entrance to Abuja city

Millennium park, Abuja

Abuja millennium park

A stadium in Abuja

National Assembly

Sukur Cultural Landscape (by Nicholas David)

Sacred grove world Heritage Site

Street scene in the city of Ibadan

Victoria island, Lagos

Sunrise in Lagos city

Lagos island

Lagos business district

Alpha beach in Lagos city

Oryx

Ostrich

Lion

Leopard

Golden oriole

Copper Sun bird

Cheetah

Image courtesy: Kehz99 (talk), Salam, S2dez, Kehz99 (talk), James Temple, JanErkamp, yaaaay, Albinfo, Sabine's Sunbird, Dixi, Patrick Diallo, Benji Robertson and wikipedia

OCTOBER 1: The Republic of Cyprus: a date with history

2009-10-01T01:57:00.021+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus on their Independence Day.

Map of Cyprus
Name: Republic of Cyprus
Region: Western Asia
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official language: Greek and Turkish
Surface area: 9251 sq.km
Population: 855,000
Capital city: Nicosia
UN Membership date: September 20, 1960
Tourism: Choirokoitia is UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Painted Churches in the Troodos Region are UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town of Paphos is a World heritage Site.

Flag of Cyprus

Coat of Arms of Cyprus

Aerial view of Nicosia, Capital of Cyprus

Presidential palace in Nicosia

Liberty monument in Nicosia

Nicosia urban area

Pyrgos on Morphou bay

Venetian wall, Nicosia

Paphos town is a world heritage Site

Kourian Theatre outside Limassol city

Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Famagusta city

Choirokitia

Temple to Apollon Ilatis outside the city of Limassol

Wild goat

Red fox

Long-eared hedgehog (I.V.Korneev)

Grey heron

Dalmatian pelican

Black necked grebe

Images courtesy: F. Spangenberg (Der Irbis), Shizhao, J.M.Garg and wikipedia

OCTOBER 1: Tuvalu: a date with history

2009-10-01T01:42:00.011+05:30

Greetings to the citizens of Tuvalu on their Independence Day.

Map of Tuvalu
Name: Tuvalu
Region: Oceania-Polynesia
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Official language: Tuvaluan, English
Surface area: 26 sq.km
Population: 11,000
Capital city: Funafuti
UN Membership date: September 5, 2000

Flag of Tuvalu

Coat of Arms of Tuvalu

Beach in Funafuti, capital of Tuvalu

School in Funafuti

White tern

Redjungle fowl

Pantropical spotted dolphin

Crested Tern

Brown booby tern

Image courtesy: Denelson83, Stefan Lins, mrlins, Noodle snacks, Brian Gratwicke and wikipedia