Thimphu

Thimphu (thimpOO') [key]or Thimbu (thimbOO') [key], city (1997 est. pop. 45,000), capital and largest city of Bhutan, W Bhutan, on the Wang Chu. The Tashichoedzong, a fortress monastery dating from the 13th cent., has been the seat of Bhutan's government since 1952. At the northern end of the valley where Thimphu is located are two important Buddhist monasteries, Tango (13th cent.) and Cheri (1619). Dechenchoeling Palace, the official residence of the Bhutanese king, is just north.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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