Bhutan is a kingdom. The state religion is Buddhism. Citizens of other faiths may practice their religion but are not allowed to proselytize. Conversion to another faith is illegal.
The government subsidizes monasteries and shrines and helps to support about one-third of the nations 12,000 monks. Monks are represented in the National Assembly and the Royal Advisory Council, and help to determine national policy. The king has declared major Hindu festivals as national holidays. The royal family participates on these occasions. Religious organizations must obtain a license in order to build a place of worship Only Buddhist texts are allowed to be imported into the country.
About one quarter of the population, living primarily in the south are ethnic Nepalese, many of whom are Hindu. there have been some outbreaks of prejudice against ethnic Nepalese. Buddhist cultural norms and dress have been declared by the monarch to be the standard for the state.
Several Christian International Relief agencies and Jesuit priests are active in educational and humanitarian activities, but that any proselytizing by foreign missionaries is forbidden.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Bhutan
Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan Forbids Public Christian Prayer WorldWide Religious News, 1/28/04
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