Bhutan

Bhutan's history is deeply rooted in Buddhism, which was introduced to the region in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The country is renowned for its preservation of Buddhist culture and traditions, largely due to its historical isolation. Bhutan was unified as a nation-state in the 17th century under the leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama who established a dual system of governance that combined both religious and secular authority.

Bhutan's culture is characterized by its unique customs, traditional dress, and festivals. The national dress for men is the "gho," and for women, it is the "kira." Major festivals, known as "Tshechus," are held annually in various monasteries and dzongs (fortresses) across the country. These festivals are vibrant, with masked dances, music, and rituals that celebrate Bhutanese spirituality and heritage.