Asia > Bhutan > Economy

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Agriculture > products rice, corn, root crops, citrus, foodgrains; dairy products, eggs
Aid as % of GDP	10.9%		[31st of 129]
Consumer price index	119.14 %		[75th of 165]
Current account balance	$116,000,000.00		[60th of 181]
Debt > External	$713,300,000.00		[125th of 136]
Economy > Overview The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor. Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower exports to India had a major impact on growth in 2007.
Exchange rates ngultrum per US dollar - 45.317 (2004), 46.583 (2003), 48.61 (2002), 47.186 (2001), 44.942 (2000)
Exports	$350,000,000.00		[161st of 189]
Exports to US	$10,000.00		[214th of 224]
GDP	$927,154,200.00		[147th of 203]
GDP (purchasing power parity)	$3,359,000,000.00		[160th of 187]
GDP > Real growth rate	22.4%		[2nd of 198]
GDP growth > annual %	6.06 annual %		[52nd of 187]
Gross National Income	$528,871,000.00		[153rd of 172]
Human Development Index	0.536		[135th of 178]
Inflation rate (consumer prices)	4.9%		[98th of 192]
Population below poverty line	31.7%		[24th of 46]
Total reserves minus gold > current US$	467,426,200 $		[128th of 178]
Tourist arrivals	5,000		[150th of 152]
Tourist arrivals by region of origin > Europe	5,439		[162nd of 195]

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