| Total Area: |
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47,000 sq. km
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Population:
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2,232,291 (est. July 2005)
Note: Some estimates range as low as 810,000
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Ethnicity:
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Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35%, indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
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| Language: |
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Dzongkha (official), various Tibetan and Nepalese dialects
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| Religion: |
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Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
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| Government Type: |
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Monarchy
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| Capital: |
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Thimphu
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| Population Below Poverty Line: |
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Not Available
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Persecution News
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None currently available |
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 Until the Communists took over China in 1949, forcing Bhutan to stop doing business exclusively with Tibet, Bhutan was isolated from the outside world. Any Christian activity was tightly restricted until 1965, when a new openness started. After two decades, however, Christianity was making some obvious headway and new restrictions were placed on missionary activity.
Missions are allowed to operate humanitarian projects, particularly aiding a serious leprosy problem, on the condition that they do not evangelize. With leprosy nearly eradicated, missions are now looking for new ministry opportunities to allow them to stay in the country.
Christians compose only 0.33 percent of the population. Some Bhutanese are coming to Christ due to the witness of Indian believers visiting Bhutan. All public worship and evangelism by non-Buddhists is illegal. Evangelists and pastors face threats of intimidation, torture and prison. Citizens have been expelled by the Buddhist government for converting to Christianity. In September 2002, forty Christians were arrested and tortured for their faith.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for opportunities for Christian ministries to operate in Bhutan and share the love of Christ with the people.
- Pray for protection for evangelists and pastors sharing their faith in spite of the danger they face.
- Pray that, in spite of the intimidation from the government, people will see their need for a relationship with Jesus Christ.
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