Bhutan

By the Numbers

• Population 691,141
• Size: Slightly larger than Maryland
• 32% of the population lives below the poverty line
• 53% of the population over 15 is literate
• 8.4% of children in Bhutan die before their 5th birthday. 25% of these deaths are due solely to Diarrhoea.
• Only 50% of births are attended by a skilled health professional
  (CIA World Factbook, WHO)

Our Programs:

• Education
• Health and Nutrition
• Livelihoods and Food Security
• Child Protection
• Child Rights
• HIV/AIDS
• Emergency Response

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The landlocked Kingdom of Bhutan has an economy based on agriculture and forestry. This small Buddhist nation — about half the size of the state of Indiana — underwent momentous political and social changes during the last two years. In 2009 the various institutions and mechanisms of the newly elected government took root.  

Flash floods from major rivers in May 2009 caused major destruction to lives and property and jolted the government to take a more serious look at its emergency and disaster management preparedness. Despite significant progress in basic health, education, communication and in harnessing hydropower, close to 70 percent of the population still earns its livelihood through subsistence farming and over 30 percent of people live below the poverty line.

Save the Children started its first program activities in Bhutan in 1982 in the remote community of Edi in southern Zhemgang and today Save the Children programs reach children in all 20 districts. In 2010, Save the Children, in agreement with the Royal Government of Bhutan, will focus on the following areas:

• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Basic Education
• Adolescent & Youth Development
• Child Protection

Last Updated on October 2011