Welcome to Bhutan
Bhutanese NgultrumCurrency in Bhutan
Today’s Weather
17
°C
10:37 AM
Wednesday
Basic Country Profile
Location: South Asia
Capital: Thimphu
Population: 797,765
Major Languages: Dzongkha
Major Religions: Buddhism (official), Hinduism
Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum
Terrain: Rugged and mountainous
Climate: Varied climate (Tropical in South and severe winters and cool summers in the Himalayas)
Dial Code: +975
Time Zone: UTC+06:00
Disability Population: According to records maintained by Disabled Persons Association Bhutan (2017) there are 4,451 people living with disabilities in Bhutan of which 2,481 are male and 1,970 are female.
According to a two stage disability survey carried out by UNICEF in 2011, the prevalence of moderate to severe disability in Bhutan was found to be 2.8 percent.
Emergency National Numbers:
Police – 113
Ambulance – 112
Firedepartment – 110
Disability Legislations and Policies
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) – Bhutan signed the UNCRPD on September 21, 2010 but has not yet ratified the convention yet.
Constitution of The Kingdom of Bhutan – Article 9 of the Constitution of Bhutan states that the State shall endeavour to provide legal aid to secure justice, which shall not be denied to any person any reason of economic or other disabilities. The Constitution can be read in English visit www.nationalcouncil.bt
National Policy for Persons with Disabilities – A National Policy for Persons with Disabilities is underway which aims to empower the rights of persons with disabilities, promote inclusive development and improve access to opportunities and services for persons with disabilities. Consultations by the Gross National Happiness Commission and UNDP Bhutan have been held on the draft policy.
Travel Related Information
Bhutan being mountainous and rugged has a very rough terrain for persons with disabilities and is not very accessible. Most buildings do not even have ramps and it can be difficult to move around.
There are a few travel companies that specialize in travel packages for people with disabilities:
AB Travel – www.totallybhutan.com
TLF Holidays – www.tlfholidays.com
Hotels
Le Méridien Thimphu – Accessible rooms and parking available.