Bhutan, nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming.

Despite the huge potential of its natural resources, Bhutan emerged as one of Asia's poorest countries, shunning the 'profit at all costs' mentality of the rest of the world. With one foot in the past and one in the future, it strolls confidently towards modernisation on its own terms.

Full country name: Kingdom of Bhutan
Area: 47,000 sq km
Population: 2.13 million
People: Drukpas (Ngalops and Sharchops - 65%), indigenous or migrant tribes (15%), other
Language: Tibetan, Dzongkha, Nepali
Religion: Buddhist (75%), Hindu (25%)
Government: monarchy
Head of State: King (Druk Gyalpo) Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Head of Government: Prime Minister Yeshey Zimba

GDP: US$2.3 billion
GDP per capita: US$1,100
Annual Growth: 6.5%
Inflation: 7.4%
Major Industries: Cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, rice, corn, root crops, citrus, dairy products, eggs
Major Trading Partners: India, Bangladesh, Japan, UK, Germany, USA