Bhutan is a landlocked nation in the Eastern Himalayas, which spans an area of 38,394 km². The country’s diverse topography, steep mountains, and deep valleys, significantly influence its climate, biodiversity, and hydrological resources. Bhutan’s unique geographical features contribute to its rich natural heritage, including a network of rivers, high-altitude wetlands, and extensive forest cover. The total forest area is estimated to be 69.71 % (2.68 million ha) of the total land area and 52.0% of the country is protected through National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Strict Nature Reserve, Biological Corridors, and Royal Botanical Park.
Bhutan's economy heavily relies on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and hydropower. Agriculture employs over 44 % of the rural population and is vital for food security, while hydropower contributes 13.4% of the country’s GDP. However, the country faces significant vulnerabilities due to climate change impacts, including extreme weather events that threaten agricultural productivity and infrastructure.
Bhutan’s climate features three distinct climatic zones: subtropical, temperate, and alpine. Southern Bhutan has a hot and humid subtropical climate; the central parts of the country consist of a temperate climate with warm summers and cool, dry winters while the higher parts have very short, cool summers and winters with substantial snowfall. This diversity is further enhanced by various micro-climates resulting from significant changes in elevation and topography. Two primary factors influencing the variation in mean temperature and precipitation are the country’s vast altitude differences and the impact of the North Indian monsoons. Bhutan’s position at the northern edge of the tropical circulation is crucial in shaping its climate.
