Bhutan–Israel relations

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Bhutan–Israel relations
Map indicating locations of Bhutan and Israel

Bhutan

Israel

Bhutan–Israel relations refers to the diplomatic relationship between Bhutan and Israel. Israel and Bhutan began a formal relationship in late 2020 with the signing of an agreement between the respective countries' ambassadors to India.[1] Israel is the 54th country with which Bhutan has established ties.[2] According to reports, the two countries have had a strong unofficial relationship since 1982,[3] and have been in secret negotiations for several years before the formal announcement.[4]

Country comparison[]

Common Name Israel Bhutan
Formal Name State of Israel Kingdom of Bhutan
Flag Israel Bhutan
Population 8,904,280 (2018) 727,145
Area 20,770 km2 (8,019 sq mi) 38,394 km2 (14,824 sq mi)
Population density 403/km2 (1,044/sq mi) 18.9/km2 (49.0/sq mi)
Capital Jerusalem Thimphu
Largest city Jerusalem 901,302 (1,253,900 Metro)
Largest metro area Tel Aviv-Yafo 3,854,000 Thimphu (114,551)
Government Parliamentary republic Constitutional Monarchy
Head of State Reuven Rivlin Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett Lotay Tshering
Official language Hebrew Dzongkha
Main religions[citation needed] 75.4% Jews, 20.89% Muslim, 7.8% others 74.8% Vajrayana Buddhism (state religion)

22.6% Hinduism 1.9% Bon and other indigenous faith

0.5% Christianity 0.4% Islam 0.2% Other

Ethnic groups 75.4% Jews

20.6% Arab

4.1% others

Ngalop people (also known as Bhote) and indigenous Sharchop people 63%
Lhotsampas (also known as Nepalis) 22%
Indigenous or migrant ethnic groups 15%
GDP (nominal) US$305 billion ($38,004 per capita) $2.547 billion ($3117 per capita)
Military expenditures $23.2 billion (7.6% of GDP) $127 Million
Military troops 176,500 16,000

References[]

  1. ^ staff, T. O. I. "Israel inks deal establishing diplomatic relations with Bhutan". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2020-12-15.
  2. ^ "Israel, Bhutan establish formal diplomatic relations". Hindustan Times. 2020-12-12. Retrieved 2020-12-15.
  3. ^ France-Presse, Agence (2020-12-12). "Israel establishes 'formal diplomatic relations' with Bhutan". the Guardian. Retrieved 2020-12-15.
  4. ^ Ayyub, Rami (2020-12-12). "Israel and Bhutan establish diplomatic relations". Reuters. Retrieved 2020-12-15.
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