There is no rigid class system in Bhutan and social and educational opportunities are not affected by rank or birth. Bhutanese women enjoy equal rights with men. Both men and women are free to choose their partners for marriage and both can initiate a divorce.
Bhutan’s traditional culture is alive in its performing arts, such as dance and music, which are an integral part of religious ceremonies. Traditional arts and crafts are still practiced as they were done hundreds of years ago. Bhutan’s textile tradition has, in recent years, gone international. The distinct technique, color and style of indigenous Bhutanese weaving is being increasingly appreciated by textile specialists, collectors and users from many parts of the world.
Bhutan’s national language is Dzongkha. English is the medium of instruction in secular schools while Choekey (classical Dzongkha) is used in traditional and monastic schools.
Culture
Bhutan is a land of rich mosaic of cultures, lifestyles, languages, and belief systems. In a country with a population of just over half a million, as many as 19 different dialects and a few languages are spoken. This is attributed to the fact that in the past, Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys with limited communication. It is for the same reason that the sense of individuality and independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people.
The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humor. The men wear Gho, a long robe tied around the waist by a slim fabric belt, or Kera. Kira, the main garment of women, is an ankle length wrap-around dress secured by a belt around the waist, and fastened at the shoulders with silver brooches called Koma.
