1,357 articles and growing

The People's Encyclopedia of Bhutan

Every Voice, Every Story, Every Truth. An open, community-owned repository documenting the complete history, culture, and lived experience of all Bhutanese people — including the stories that official narratives have erased.

Browse Articles Start Writing

Did you know? Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country, absorbing more CO2 than it produces.

How well do you know Bhutan?Take the Quiz

The Druk Desi: Bhutan's Secular Rulers (1650–1905)

The Druk Desi (also known as the Deb Raja) was the title held by the secular administrative rulers of Bhutan under the dual system of government established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the mid-17th century. Over the course of approximately 250 years, some 54 individuals held the office, many for only brief and turbulent tenures marked by assassination, deposition, and civil war.

Read article

From the timeline

2007–2023Refugee Crisis

Refugee Resettlement Begins

The US-led third-country resettlement program begins. Over 113,000 Bhutanese refugees are resettled from Nepal — about 96,000 to the United States alone.

Oral history

Anonymous narrator

Behind the Kongpo Jala Mountain: A Song and Dance

Recently published

Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan Folk Heritage Museum, Thimphu Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation Tarayana Foundation Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan National Library and Archives of Bhutan National Museum of Bhutan Oral Cultures of Bhutan Lhotshampa Name Reclamation in the Diaspora Transliteration of Lhotshampa Names in Bhutanese Official Records Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies Desuung Skilling Programme United States Department of State Human Rights Reports on Bhutan Bhutanese-American Secondary Migration Bhutanese Community in Vermont Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan Folk Heritage Museum, Thimphu Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation Tarayana Foundation Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan National Library and Archives of Bhutan National Museum of Bhutan Oral Cultures of Bhutan Lhotshampa Name Reclamation in the Diaspora Transliteration of Lhotshampa Names in Bhutanese Official Records Centre for Bhutan and GNH Studies Desuung Skilling Programme United States Department of State Human Rights Reports on Bhutan Bhutanese-American Secondary Migration Bhutanese Community in Vermont

Explore by Topic

Browse articles across all aspects of Bhutanese life and history

History

From ancient kingdoms to modern nation

People

Kings, leaders, artists, and activists

Places

Dzongs, valleys, mountains, and diaspora cities

Culture

Language, cuisine, festivals, and arts

Politics

Government, law, and democracy

Society

Economy, education, and daily life

Diaspora

Refugee crisis, resettlement, and identity

Laws & Primary Sources

Constitution, acts, treaties, royal kashos, plans, and historical texts

Test Your Knowledge

How Well Do You Know Bhutan?

From ancient monasteries to modern democracy, Bhutan is full of surprises. Try these quick questions and discover something new about the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Full Quiz (50 questions)

What are the "Zorig Chusum"?

mediumCulture

Interactive Map

Explore Bhutan's 20 Districts

Navigate every dzongkhag from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east. Discover schools, hospitals, monasteries, government offices, and more across the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Open Full Map

Why BhutanWiki?

Bhutan has no independent domestic press and ranks 90th out of 180 countries on the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index. All domestic media operates under state oversight, foreign journalists face restrictions, and independent reporting from within the country is rare. BhutanWiki exists to fill that gap — a free, open, community-built encyclopedia documenting Bhutan's history, culture, politics, and people from every perspective.

1357

Encyclopedia articles

100%

Free and open access

Safe

Anonymous contributions welcome

Discover Bhutan Daily

On This DayApril 26

1910

Treaty of Punakha Signed

Bhutan and British India signed the Treaty of Punakha, formalising Bhutan's status as a protectorate of British India while preserving internal sovereignty.

Read article

Browse all historical dates

Word of the DayNepali

पुनर्वास

Punarbas

noun

Resettlement; rehabilitation. The process by which over 113,000 Bhutanese refugees were placed in eight third countries from 2007 to 2023.

Read related article

Your Story Matters

Whether you are part of the diaspora, a researcher, a journalist, or simply someone who believes in truth — join us. No account required to start editing.

Write an Article Browse All Articles