Don't just see the sights? get to know the people.

Often called the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," Bhutan was secluded for much of its history, its towering mountains and lush green valleys virtually unvisited, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. A sovereign country throughout the ages, Bhutan is now establishing its place on the world stage. It is determined to maintain its Buddhist culture and unique way of life as it evolves and adapts to political change and economic challenges.

Culture Smart! Bhutan will give you a deeper insight into the country's history, values, customs, and age-old traditions. It highlights changes in people's attitudes and behavior as the country modernizes, and provides practical guidance on how to get to know the Bhutanese on their own terms, paving the way for a more meaningful experience of this fascinating and beautiful country.

Have a richer and more meaningful experience abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on history, values, attitudes, and traditions will help you to better understand your hosts, while tips on etiquette and communicating will help you to navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Bhutan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture, Karma Choden and Dorji Wangchuk, Kuperard, Paperback, 200 pp, $12.99

Karma Choden is the founder of Simply Bhutan Travels and a freelance writer. She has a degree in English Literature from the University of North Bengal, India, worked as a journalist for many years with Kuensel, Bhutan's national newspaper, and served as a commissioner and focal person for the National Commission for Women and Children in Bhutan.

Dorji Wangchuk is a management consultant working in London. He has a degree in engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Calicut, India, and an MBA from the University of Cambridge. He was a civil servant in the Bhutanese government for many years, and gives regular talks on developments in Bhutan.

CONTENTS: Bhutan - Culture Smart!
Map of Bhutan		7
Introduction		8
Key Facts		10
1	LAND AND PEOPLE	13
	Geographical Snapshot	13
	Terrain	14
	Climate	16
	People	21
	A Brief History	23
	Bhutan Today	24
	Government and Judiciary	42
	The Economy	44
	Bhutan in the World	46
2	VALUES AND ATTITUDES	49
	The Buddhist Way of Life	49
	Monarchy and National Identity	50
	Gross National Happiness	51
	Interdependence	53
	Tha-Damtsi and Ley-Jumdrey	53
	Driglam-Namzha	54
	Harmony with Nature	55
	Beliefs and Superstitions	56
	Family Values	57
	Attitudes Toward Women	58
	Sexual Mores	59
	Respect and Humility	60
	Traditional Dress	63
	Attitudes Toward Food	67
	Sharing and Giving	68
3	RELIGION, CUSTOMS, AND TRADITIONS	71
	Buddhism	72
	Hinduism	92
	The Bhutanese Calendar	94
	The Festive Year	95
4	MAKING FRIENDS	101
	Meeting People	102
	Greetings and Other Courtesies	103
	What's in a Name	104
	Socializing with Work Colleagues	105
	Invitations Home	106
	Manners	107
	Socializing with the Opposite Sex	108
	Meeting with Outsiders	108
5	THE BHUTANESE AT HOME	111
	Housing	111
	Families--Roles and Responsibilities	114
	Marriage	116
	Children	118
	Education	120
	Employment	123
	Health Care	124
	Daily Life and Routine	126
	Shopping	129
6	TIME OUT	133
	Eating Out	134
	Bhutanese Food	136
	Drinks	138
	Picnics	138
	What to Wear	139
	Vacations and Public Holidays	140
	Sports and Exercise	140
	Cultural and Social Life	145
	Changing Money	148
	Handicrafts	149
7	TRAVEL, HEALTH, AND SAFETY	153
	Visas	153
	High-Value, Low-Impact Tourism	154
	Traveling to Bhutan	155
	Urban Transportation	158
	City Buses	159
	Private Vehicles	159
	Taxis	160
	Getting Around the Country	161
	Where to Stay	165
	Health and Safety	167
	Natural Hazards	169
	Banned Tobacco Products	170
	Crime	171
8	BUSINESS BRIEFING	173
	The Business Environment	173
	Dress Code	176
	Meetings	177
	Presentations	179
	Negotiating	180
	Contracts	181
	Business Entertainment	181
	Gifts	182
	Keeping in Touch	183
9	COMMUNICATING	185
	Language	185
	Body Language	187
	Humor	188
	The Media	190
	Mail	191
	Telephone	193
	Internet and Social Media	193
	Conclusion	195
Further Reading		196
Useful Websites		196
Useful Apps		197
Index		198