Large and largely unexploited natural resources exist in the form of hydropower, forest and minerals. Several calcium minerals are extracted, such as carbide, dolomite, gypsum, lime juice and anhydrite. Some mining of coal and shale also occurs.
Hydropower is Bhutan’s most important economic asset (see Economic overview). The export to India has contributed to rapid development. The first Chhukha hydroelectric power plant was inaugurated at the end of the 1980s and since then several other power plants have been commissioned. The electricity grid in the country has been expanded at a high pace and in 2017 almost all residents were reported to have access to electricity. Nine years earlier, the figure was 60 percent.
COUNTRYAAH: Major exports by Bhutan with a full list of the top products exported by the country. Includes trade value in U.S. dollars and the percentage for each product category.
Environmental care permeates all economic and social planning in Bhutan. Both mining and the expansion of hydropower and industry may to some extent be left behind for environmental reasons. Car exhaust emissions are carefully regulated. Environmental knowledge is one of the basic topics in schools and residents are urged through municipal campaigns not to waste on the streets or in nature. Bhutan is one of the richest areas in the world, and has been able to remain so in part thanks to its strict environmental laws.
In recent years, however, reports have come of increased environmental impact. The number of cars, buses and trucks in Bhutan has multiplied over the past two decades, according to the country’s authorities. Half of the vehicles are located in the capital Thimpu, which has experienced problems with traffic congestion and lack of parking spaces. The country lacks infrastructure for so many vehicles and environmental organizations warn of negative consequences for the fragile mountain environment.
Abbreviationfinder: A popular acronym site in the world covering abbreviation for each country. For example, BT stands for Bhutan. Visit itypeusa for more information about Bhutan.
