Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas
Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna
Environment Issues: soil erosion; limited access to potable water; wildlife conservation; industrial pollution; waste disposal.
Languages: Sharchhopka 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.)
Government Type: constitutional monarchy
URGENT is engaged in the following activities within Bhutan:
- Church Planting
- Discipleship
- Training
- Resources
- Humanitarian Efforts
Thankfully, physical violence is not used as a means to persuade Christ-followers to return to their Buddhist beliefs. However, considerable persecution is experienced. Families will disown members who convert to Christianity due to the shame they feel. It may also be difficult for a Bhutanese Christian to conduct personal business due to being denied the legal means to do so because of their profession of faith. (Source: Open Doors)
- Pray that the deep generational ties to Buddhism will loosen.
- Pray for underground church pastors to grow in their knowledge of the Word and proclaim it boldly to their people.
- Pray for fruitful evangelistic efforts by Bhutanese Christians as well as new-found courage to share their faith.
- Security Tier: 2
- Religion: Buddhist
- Engagement Scale: 3
27.4712° N, 89.6339° E
Persecution rating
43
(1=High to 50=Low)