Which country has Thimphu as its capital city?

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. It lies in the Wang Chuu valley in western Bhutan and serves as the country’s political, governmental and economic centre. Unlike many national capitals, Thimphu has no traffic lights; a manually operated traffic post briefly became a well-known local feature before being removed and later restored in a different form.

Thimphu became Bhutan’s capital in 1961, during the modernisation programme of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Before that change, Punakha had served as the winter capital and remains the seat of the central monastic body during the colder months.

Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom between India and China. Its national development philosophy famously emphasises Gross National Happiness, a framework introduced internationally in the 1970s. Bhutan also measures progress through environmental, cultural and social indicators alongside economic ones.

The city is known for institutions such as Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten and the Motithang Takin Preserve. Thimphu’s elevation and surrounding mountains strongly shape its climate and urban landscape.