"In a world spinning out of ecological balance," Peter Matthiessen has written, "Bhutan is as refreshing as an oasis in a desert." Intent upon maintaining their unique Buddhist culture, the Bhutanese have carefully and wisely opened themselves to the world, which in turn has been entranced by the kingdom's Himalayan majesties, serene villages, and deeply kindly folk.

• TOTAL AREA: 47,000 sq km

• LAND AREA: 47,000 sq km

• WATER AREA: 0 sq km

• POPULATION: 2,279,723

• RELIGIONS: Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%

• LANGUAGES: Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects

• GOVERNMENT TYPE: Monarchy; special treaty relationship with India

• CAPITAL CITY: Thimphu

• OFFICIAL CURRENCY: ngultrum (BTN); Indian rupee (INR)

• TIME ZONE: GMT/UTC +6