Gender Gap Persists in Bhutan’s Tour Guiding Sector

Bhutan recorded 10,627 tourist arrivals in January 2026, an increase of 5,676 compared to January 2025, reflecting strong recovery and growing international interest. Indian tourists remained the largest group, followed by visitors from Bangladesh, the United States, China and Malaysia. Paro was the main entry point, and the average stay ranged from four to [...]

Bhutan Hosts Second National MCH Fair to Promote Safe Motherhood

The Ministry of Health of Bhutan, in collaboration with the JICA Bhutan Office, organized a one-day Mother and Child Health (MCH) Fair on February 13, 2026, at the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck Mother and Child Hospital under the theme “For Positive Pregnancy Experiences and Outcomes.” The event promoted awareness on maternal and neonatal health, bringing [...]

Staff Exodus Deepens Bhutan’s Health Sector Crisis

Bhutan’s health sector is facing a growing workforce crisis, particularly at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH), due to the continued loss of medical professionals. In 2025, 92 staff resigned, with 45 more giving notice and 31 applying for Extra Ordinary Leave (EOL)—many of whom are unlikely to return as they seek [...]

Food Prices Hit Rural and Urban Families Hard

The National Statistics Bureau’s CPI report for December 2025 shows a continued rise in inflation, driven mainly by increasing food and non-food prices. Food inflation reached 4.36 percent, with notable increases in staples, beverages, and betel nuts, while non-food inflation stood at 2.70 percent, led by higher costs for clothing, health, restaurants, and transport. [...]

Bhutan Records 76.98% Pass Rate in Class VIII Exams

Bhutan achieved a 76.98 percent pass rate in the Class VIII Board Examination 2025, with 12,039 out of 12,143 students passing from 168 schools nationwide, reflecting broad participation across government and private institutions. The national merit list was topped by Sidanth Bhandari of Loselling Middle Secondary School with 94.6 percent, followed closely by Sangay [...]

Digital Abuse and Deepfakes Fuel Safety Fears

Official police data show a sharp rise in reported sexual offence cases nationwide, increasing from 108 in 2022 to 152 in 2025. Thimphu has emerged as the most affected dzongkhag, recording 113 cases, the highest in the country. Other urban centres such as Gelephu and Samtse have also seen high numbers, while less populated [...]

Bhutan’s Students with Disabilities Face Persistent Learning Gaps

The National Education Assessment (NEA) 2024 reveals that students with disabilities in Bhutan continue to perform below their peers, particularly in Mathematics, due to gaps in inclusive learning materials, limited teacher training, and inaccessible school infrastructure. Although 1,455 children with disabilities are enrolled nationwide, they scored 7–12 points lower on average across assessed subjects. Nearly [...]

Rising Costs Across Essentials and Services Worry Consumers

Inflation rose to 3.55% in November 2025, driven by continued increases in both food and non-food prices, according to the National Statistics Bureau. Food inflation was the main contributor at 4.67%, with notable rises in food and non-alcoholic beverages, while non-food inflation reached 2.75%, led by higher costs for clothing, restaurants, health services, and transport. [...]

Changes in Bhutan Accelerating in the New Year

BHUTAN Population: 741,700 Dominant religion: Buddhism Persecution ranking: 36 Christians: Less than 1% As we enter 2026, Bhutan has an opportunity to enter a fourth year of economic growth. Ironically, that growth is tenuous, because it comes primarily from remittance from Bhutanese who work abroad. Unemployment and underemployment are high in Bhutan. Even those with [...]

Accountability Key to Effective Use of Government Resources

Effective management of public resources is a reflection of government integrity and a foundation of citizens’ trust. Transparency, beyond merely publishing budgets, requires clear communication about how funds are allocated, prioritized, and translated into tangible results. Global examples show that citizen participation, digital spending platforms, and open contracting can reduce corruption and strengthen accountability. Monitoring [...]

Window International Network (WIN)

Window International Network (WIN)

Window International Network (WIN)
Go to Top