Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations in the world; foreign influences and tourism are heavily regulated by the government to preserve the traditional culture of the dominant Ngalong group.
The climate in Bhutan varies with altitude, from subtropical in the south to temperate in the highlands and polar-type climate, with year-round snow in the north.
Bhutan's population is concentrated in the towns, in the southern plains, and in valleys where agriculture is feasible.