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Thimphu

Capital of Bhutan, lying on the River Raidak at an altitude of 2,000 m/7,000 ft; population (2001 est) 48,300. It is also the capital of Thimphu District, with a population (1995 est) of 116,000, and is the main marketing centre for agricultural goods produced in the surrounding valley and on terraced hill slopes, including rice, maize, and wheat. Power is supplied by a hydroelectric station (1966), and industries include sawmilling, wood products, and food processing. The Indo-Bhutan Highway (1968) is the main route from Thimphu into India via Phuntsholing.

History

The settlement grew up under the protection of the Tashichhodzong monastery, whose building still serves as the meeting place of the National Assembly. Thimphu was for long the winter capital of Bhutan, and in 1962 was made the permanent home of the government. Thimphu expanded with the rapid urbanization of the country's population towards the end of the 20th century.

Features The fortified Tashichhodzong monastery is a major landmark, dating from the 13th century, and is conspicuous both for its size as the largest monastery in the country, and for its traditional Bhutanese architecture. The city also houses the Memorial Charter to the Third King, dating from 1974.

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