Bhutan News

Lecturers, diplomats, broadcasters - all in Bhutan's politics

From broadcasters and diplomats to civil servants, lecturers and retired generals, people from varied streams have started dabbling in politics as Bhutan embarks on a historic transformation from monarchy to democracy.11:00 AM on June 06

Bhutan's fledgling cinema influenced by Hollywood and Bollywood

When Hollywood star Demi Moore was taking a snapshot of her own blow-up tucked at a ramshackle video parlour in Bhutan, nobody noticed her - locals passed her off as another white skinned tourist visiting the Himalayan kingdom.10:30 AM on June 05

Watch out - bouncers on the prowl in Bhutan discos

Feel free to swing to the music at the chic discotheques in this usually conservative Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. But caution please - don't try to take liberties, smoke a cigarette, or pop a dance pill for a kick.1:00 PM on June 03

No dollars please, happiness is Bhutan's wealth

Hollywood star Cameron Diaz just couldn't believe when she was told during a private visit to Bhutan that the country's wealth was measured by the happiness of its citizens.9:30 AM on June 01

Malt whisky and treks in the dragon kingdom

Seated on a settee in the hotel lounge and quietly sipping Bhutan Mist, a pure malt whisky, burly and white-bearded Michael Johns and his demure wife Emma from New York seem chirpy. The two, in their mid-50s, have just returned from an arduous six-day trek and were relaxing in the sleepy but resplendent capital city of Bhutan.10:00 AM on May 30

Bhutanese root for tradition in mock polls, no to industrialization

Bhutan has elected a new mock parliament that promises to preserve the nation's traditions amid looming fears of anarchy and corruption swamping the cocooned Himalayan kingdom known as the 'last Shangri-la'.9:31 AM on May 29

Shakira rocks Bhutan, as Shangri-la embraces modernity

Once a sequestered nation, shy of opening up to the outside world, Bhutan, the land of fluttering prayer flags, massive fortress monasteries and oracles, is today in transition.8:30 AM on May 29

Encouraging turnout in Bhutan's historic mock polls

The final round of mock elections in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, a dress rehearsal for the planned transformation of the 100-year-old monarchy to democracy, ended Monday with moderate to heavy polling.6:31 PM on May 28

Bhutan's royal astrologers plan for 2008 elections

Yeshey Rinchen looks like any other maroon-robed Buddhist monk chanting hymns at the famous Tashichhodzong monastery, the summer residence of the head abbot of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.11:00 AM on May 28

Bhutan's brush with democracy begins with mock polls

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan Monday made yet another historic leap towards democracy with voting for the final round of the mock polls beginning with the nation preparing to transform its 100-year-old monarchy to democracy.9:00 AM on May 28

Security alert in Bhutan after bomb threats

Security forces have been put on alert in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan with Nepal-based separatists threatening to stage a series of bomb attacks during Monday's mock elections.4:02 PM on May 27

'Democracy has risks, but Bhutan ready for challenge'

Bhutan is ready to take up the challenge of transforming from a monarchy to parliamentary democracy despite 'risks' from the historical shift, says Bhutan's Chief Election Commissioner Dasho Kunzang Wangdi.2:02 PM on May 27

Bhutan ready to shed monarchy for democracy - peacefully

Tenzin Chhoeda, 42, is getting restless by the day and discusses animatedly with friends Bhutan's planned transition from monarchy to parliamentary democracy.12:33 PM on May 27

Tight security in Bhutan after bomb found in border town

Security has been stepped up in Bhutan after a bomb allegedly planted by detractors of the monarchy was found near Phuentsholing, a town close to the Indian border, officials Wednesday said.5:01 PM on April 25

Bhutan's tryst with democracy begins with mock polls

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan Saturday staged a 'dummy' election designed as a warm-up for the first general elections next year with voters in large numbers casting their ballots.8:00 PM on April 21