Bhutan first flung open its doors to tourists in 1974. Since then, the tiny country has revealed to the rest of the world its enviable nature __31__, exotic animals, and a one-of-a-kind government. Bhutan’s ruler, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who was elected in 1972, runs the only Democratic Monarchy __32__.
Bordered by India, Tibet, and China, Bhutan __33__ about 18,000 square miles and has a population of about 750,000. Bhutan is home to several rare __34__, including red pandas, blue sheep, and musk deer. Its __35__ landscape includes snowcapped peaks, bamboo jungles, meadows, and grasslands.
The strongly religious Bhutanese rely almost __36__ on agriculture for their survival, raising cattle and living in rural villages. To celebrate their Buddhism, the Bhutanese hold many unique __37__, called teschus, and stake prayer flags in the ground, which worshippers believe offer a __38__ line to the gods.
Tourists who would like to visit Bhutan should plan their trips far __39__. They must provide a travel visa and itinerary upon arrival. Moreover, they should pack __40__: The country’s only airline, Druk Air, has just two planes—both with limited storage space.
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