Two Portuguese Jesuits, the first Europeans to set foot in Bhutan in the 17th century, spoke of venturing into a land where a sturdy people led a distinctive way of life in perfect harmony with a rich and diverse natural surrounding.

Most Bhutanese live on subsistence farming, scattered in sparsely populated hamlets across the nation. They are fiercely independent but friendly and hospitable, deeply religious and mostly lead their lives according to the tenets of Buddhism.

The people speak more than 16 dialects across the country. English is taught in the schools and is used as the official working language.