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Compare Bhutan (2006) - Swaziland (2008)

Compare Bhutan (2006) z Swaziland (2008)

 Bhutan (2006)Swaziland (2008)
 BhutanSwaziland
Administrative divisions 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Dagana, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang


note: there may be two new districts named Gasa and Yangtse
4 districts; Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Shiselweni
Age structure 0-14 years: 38.9% (male 458,801/female 426,947)


15-64 years: 57.1% (male 671,057/female 631,078)


65 years and over: 4% (male 46,217/female 45,623) (2006 est.)
0-14 years: 40.3% (male 230,238/female 226,184)


15-64 years: 56.1% (male 304,899/female 331,036)


65 years and over: 3.6% (male 15,870/female 24,839) (2007 est.)
Agriculture - products rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs sugarcane, cotton, corn, tobacco, rice, citrus, pineapples, sorghum, peanuts; cattle, goats, sheep
Airports 2 (2006) 18 (2007)
Airports - with paved runways total: 1


1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2006)
total: 1


2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 (2007)
Airports - with unpaved runways total: 1


914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2006)
total: 17


914 to 1,523 m: 7


under 914 m: 10 (2007)
Area total: 47,000 sq km


land: 47,000 sq km


water: 0 sq km
total: 17,363 sq km


land: 17,203 sq km


water: 160 sq km
Area - comparative about half the size of Indiana slightly smaller than New Jersey
Background In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A refugee issue of some 100,000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which would introduce major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. A referendum date has yet to be named. Autonomy for the Swazis of southern Africa was guaranteed by the British in the late 19th century; independence was granted in 1968. Student and labor unrest during the 1990s pressured King MSWATI III, the world's last absolute monarch, to grudgingly allow political reform and greater democracy, although he has backslid on these promises in recent years. A constitution came into effect in 2006, but political parties remain banned. The African United Democratic Party tried unsuccessfully to register as an official political party in mid 2006. Talks over the constitution broke down between the government and progressive groups in 2007. Swaziland recently surpassed Botswana as the country with the world's highest known HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.
Birth rate 33.65 births/1,000 population (2006 est.) 26.98 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Budget revenues: $346.6 million


expenditures: including capital expenditures of $NA


note: the government of India finances nearly three-fifths of Bhutan's budget expenditures (FY95/96 est.)
revenues: $1.216 billion


expenditures: $1.15 billion (2007 est.)
Capital name: Thimphu


geographic coordinates: 27 28 N, 89 39 E


time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
name: Mbabane


geographic coordinates: 26 18 S, 31 06 E


time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)


note: Lobamba (royal and legislative capital)
Climate varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas varies from tropical to near temperate
Coastline 0 km (landlocked) 0 km (landlocked)
Constitution no written constitution or bill of rights; note - in 2001, the king commissioned the drafting of a constitution, and in March 2005 publicly unveiled it; is awaiting national referendum signed by the King in July 2005 went into effect on 8 February 2006
Country name conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan


conventional short form: Bhutan


local long form: Druk Gyalkhap


local short form: Druk Yul
conventional long form: Kingdom of Swaziland


conventional short form: Swaziland


local long form: Umbuso weSwatini


local short form: eSwatini
Death rate 12.7 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.) 30.35 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Debt - external $593 million (2004) $538.6 million (31 December 2007 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although informal contact is maintained between the Bhutanese and US Embassy in New Delhi (India) chief of mission: Ambassador Maurice S. PARKER


embassy: Central Bank Building, Mahlokahla Street, Mbabane


mailing address: P. O. Box 199, Mbabane


telephone: [268] 404-6441 through 404-6445


FAX: [268] 404-5959
Diplomatic representation in the US none; note - Bhutan has a Permanent Mission to the UN; address: 2 United Nations Plaza, 27th Floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 826-1919; FAX [1] (212) 826-2998; the Bhutanese mission to the UN has consular jurisdiction in the US


consulate(s) general: New York
chief of mission: Ambassador Ephraim Mandla HLOPHE


chancery: 1712 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20009


telephone: [1] (202) 234-5002


FAX: [1] (202) 234-8254
Disputes - international approximately 105,000 Bhutanese have lived decades as refugees in Nepal, 90% of whom reside in seven UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees camps; Bhutan cooperates with India to expel Indian separatists in 2006, Swazi king advocates resort to ICJ to claim parts of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from South Africa
Economic aid - recipient $78 million substantial aid from India and other nations $46.03 million (2005)
Economy - overview The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 90% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Bhutan's hydropower potential and its attraction for tourists are key resources. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas like industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. In this small, landlocked economy, subsistence agriculture occupies approximately 70% of the population. The manufacturing sector has diversified since the mid-1980s. Sugar and wood pulp remain important foreign exchange earners. In 2007, the sugar industry increased efficiency and diversification efforts, in response to a 17% decline in EU sugar prices. Mining has declined in importance in recent years with only coal and quarry stone mines remaining active. Surrounded by South Africa, except for a short border with Mozambique, Swaziland is heavily dependent on South Africa from which it receives more than nine-tenths of its imports and to which it sends 60% of its exports. Swaziland's currency is pegged to the South African rand, subsuming Swaziland's monetary policy to South Africa. Customs duties from the Southern African Customs Union, which may equal as much as 70% of government revenue this year, and worker remittances from South Africa substantially supplement domestically earned income. Swaziland is not poor enough to merit an IMF program; however, the country is struggling to reduce the size of the civil service and control costs at public enterprises. The government is trying to improve the atmosphere for foreign investment. With an estimated 40% unemployment rate, Swaziland's need to increase the number and size of small and medium enterprises and attract foreign direct investment is acute. Overgrazing, soil depletion, drought, and sometimes floods persist as problems for the future. More than one-fourth of the population needed emergency food aid in 2006-07 because of drought, and nearly two-fifths of the adult population has been infected by HIV/AIDS.
Electricity - consumption 250.3 million kWh (2003) 1.3 billion kWh (2005)
Electricity - exports 1.51 billion kWh (2003) 0 kWh (2005)
Electricity - imports 10 million kWh (2003) 872 million kWh; note - electricity supplied by South Africa (2007)
Electricity - production 1.882 billion kWh (2003) 460 million kWh (2005)
Elevation extremes lowest point: Drangme Chhu 97 m


highest point: Kula Kangri 7,553 m
lowest point: Great Usutu River 21 m


highest point: Emlembe 1,862 m
Environment - current issues soil erosion; limited access to potable water limited supplies of potable water; wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting; overgrazing; soil degradation; soil erosion
Environment - international agreements party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes


signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection


signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
Ethnic groups Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15% African 97%, European 3%
Exchange rates ngultrum per US dollar - 44.101 (2005), 45.317 (2004), 46.583 (2003), 48.61 (2002), 47.186 (2001) lilangeni per US dollar - 7.4 (2007), 6.85 (2006), 6.3593 (2005), 6.4597 (2004), 7.5648 (2003)
Executive branch chief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)


head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers Sangay NGEDUP (since 5 September 2005)


cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the monarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed, five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarch


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reforms in July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove the monarch with two-thirds vote
chief of state: King MSWATI III (since 25 April 1986)


head of government: Prime Minister Absolom Themba DLAMINI (since 14 November 2003)


cabinet: Cabinet recommended by the prime minister and confirmed by the monarch


elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch from among the elected members of the House of Assembly
Exports NA bbl/day 0 bbl/day (2004)
Exports - commodities electricity (to India), cardamom, gypsum, timber, handicrafts, cement, fruit, precious stones, spices soft drink concentrates, sugar, wood pulp, cotton yarn, refrigerators, citrus and canned fruit
Exports - partners Japan 33.2%, Germany 13.6%, France 13.5%, South Korea 7.8%, US 7.7%, Thailand 5.8%, Italy 5.1% (2005) South Africa 59.7%, EU 8.8%, US 8.8%, Mozambique 6.2% (2006)
Fiscal year 1 July - 30 June 1 April - 31 March
Flag description divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner; the upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange; centered along the dividing line is a large black and white dragon facing away from the hoist side three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (triple width), and blue; the red band is edged in yellow; centered in the red band is a large black and white shield covering two spears and a staff decorated with feather tassels, all placed horizontally
GDP - composition by sector agriculture: 25.8%


industry: 37.9%


services: 36.3% (2002 est.)
agriculture: 11.8%


industry: 45.8%


services: 42.3% (2007 est.)
GDP - real growth rate 5.9% (2005 est.) 1.6% (2007 est.)
Geographic coordinates 27 30 N, 90 30 E 26 30 S, 31 30 E
Geography - note landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes landlocked; almost completely surrounded by South Africa
Household income or consumption by percentage share lowest 10%: NA%


highest 10%: NA%
lowest 10%: 1.6%


highest 10%: 40.7% (2001)
Imports NA bbl/day 3,530 bbl/day (2004)
Imports - commodities fuel and lubricants, grain, machinery and parts, vehicles, fabrics, rice motor vehicles, machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum products, chemicals
Imports - partners Hong Kong 68.4%, Mexico 20.8%, France 3.9% (2005) South Africa 95.6%, EU 0.9%, Japan 0.9%, Singapore 0.3% (2006)
Independence 8 August 1949 (from India) 6 September 1968 (from UK)
Industrial production growth rate 9.3% (1996 est.) 1% (2007 est.)
Industries cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide coal, wood pulp, sugar, soft drink concentrates, textile and apparel
Infant mortality rate total: 98.41 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 96.14 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 100.79 deaths/1,000 live births (2006 est.)
total: 70.66 deaths/1,000 live births


male: 74 deaths/1,000 live births


female: 67.21 deaths/1,000 live births (2007 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 7% (2005 est.) 6% (2007 est.)
International organization participation AsDB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTO (observer) ACP, AfDB, AU, C, COMESA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, PCA, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Irrigated land 400 sq km (2003) 500 sq km (2003)
Judicial branch Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch) High Court; Supreme Court; judges for both courts are appointed by the monarch
Labor force NA


note: major shortage of skilled labor
300,000 (2006)
Labor force - by occupation agriculture: 93%


industry: 2%


services: 5%
agriculture: NA%


industry: NA%


services: NA%
Land boundaries total: 1,075 km


border countries: China 470 km, India 605 km
total: 535 km


border countries: Mozambique 105 km, South Africa 430 km
Land use arable land: 2.3%


permanent crops: 0.43%


other: 97.27% (2005)
arable land: 10.25%


permanent crops: 0.81%


other: 88.94% (2005)
Languages Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects English (official, government business conducted in English), siSwati (official)
Legal system based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction based on South African Roman-Dutch law in statutory courts and Swazi traditional law and custom in traditional courts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Legislative branch unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 elected from village constituencies, 10 represent religious bodies, and 35 are designated by the monarch to represent government and other secular interests; members serve three-year terms)


elections: local elections last held August 2005 (next to be held in 2008)


election results: NA
bicameral Parliament or Libandla consists of the Senate (30 seats; 10 members appointed by the House of Assembly and 20 appointed by the monarch; to serve five-year terms) and the House of Assembly (65 seats; 10 members appointed by the monarch and 55 elected by popular vote; to serve five-year terms)


elections: House of Assembly - last held 18 October 2003 (next to be held in October 2008)


election results: House of Assembly - balloting is done on a nonparty basis; candidates for election are nominated by the local council of each constituency and for each constituency the three candidates with the most votes in the first round of voting are narrowed to a single winner by a second round
Life expectancy at birth total population: 54.78 years


male: 55.02 years


female: 54.53 years (2006 est.)
total population: 32.23 years


male: 31.84 years


female: 32.62 years (2007 est.)
Literacy definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 47%


male: 60%


female: 34% (2003 est.)
definition: age 15 and over can read and write


total population: 81.6%


male: 82.6%


female: 80.8% (2003 est.)
Location Southern Asia, between China and India Southern Africa, between Mozambique and South Africa
Map references Asia Africa
Maritime claims none (landlocked) none (landlocked)
Military branches Royal Bhutan Army: Royal Bodyguard, Royal Bhutan Police (2005) Umbutfo Swaziland Defense Force (USDF): Ground Force (includes air wing), Royal Swaziland Police Force (RSPF) (2007)
Military expenditures - dollar figure $8.29 million (2005 est.) -
Military expenditures - percent of GDP 1% (2005 est.) 4.7% (2006)
National holiday National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907) Independence Day, 6 September (1968)
Nationality noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)


adjective: Bhutanese
noun: Swazi(s)


adjective: Swazi
Natural hazards violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season drought
Natural resources timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate asbestos, coal, clay, cassiterite, hydropower, forests, small gold and diamond deposits, quarry stone, and talc
Net migration rate 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.) 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2007 est.)
Political parties and leaders no legal parties the status of political parties, previously banned, is unclear under the new (2006) Constitution and currently being debated - the following are considered political associations; African United Democratic Party or AUDP [Stanley MAUNDZISA, president]; Imbokodvo National Movement or INM; Ngwane National Liberatory Congress or NNLC [Obed DLAMINI, president]; People's United Democratic Movement or PUDEMO [Mario MASUKU, president]
Political pressure groups and leaders Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepalese organizations leading militant antigovernment campaign; Indian merchant community; United Front for Democracy (exiled) NA
Population 2,279,723


note: other estimates range as low as 810,000 (July 2006 est.)
1,133,066


note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2007 est.)
Population below poverty line NA% 69% (2006)
Population growth rate 2.1% (2006 est.) -0.337% (2007 est.)
Radio broadcast stations AM 0, FM 9, shortwave 1 (2006) AM 3, FM 2 (plus 4 repeaters), shortwave 3 (2004)
Railways - total: 301 km


narrow gauge: 301 km 1.067-m gauge (2006)
Religions Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25% Zionist 40% (a blend of Christianity and indigenous ancestral worship), Roman Catholic 20%, Muslim 10%, other (includes Anglican, Bahai, Methodist, Mormon, Jewish) 30%
Sex ratio at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.07 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 1.01 male(s)/female


total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female


under 15 years: 1.018 male(s)/female


15-64 years: 0.921 male(s)/female


65 years and over: 0.639 male(s)/female


total population: 0.947 male(s)/female (2007 est.)
Suffrage each family has one vote in village-level elections; note - in late 2003 Bhutan's legislature passed a new election law 18 years of age
Telephone system general assessment: telecommunications facilities are poor


domestic: very low teledensity; domestic service is very poor especially in rural areas; wireless service available since 2003


international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 (2005)
general assessment: a somewhat modern but not an advanced system


domestic: mobile-cellular subscribership is increasing; combined fixed-line and mobile cellular teledensity about 25 telephones per 100 persons; telephone system consists of carrier-equipped, open-wire lines and low-capacity, microwave radio relay


international: country code - 268; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Telephones - main lines in use 32,700 (2005) 44,000 (2006)
Telephones - mobile cellular 37,800 (2005) 250,000 (2006)
Television broadcast stations 1 (2006) 12 (includes 7 relay stations) (2004)
Terrain mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna mostly mountains and hills; some moderately sloping plains
Total fertility rate 4.74 children born/woman (2006 est.) 3.43 children born/woman (2007 est.)
Unemployment rate NA% 40% (2006 est.)
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