Phuentsholing

Conveniently and strategically located on the Indo-Bhutan border, the place aptly called PHUENTSHOLING, has gained national recognition as the nerve centre of economic activities or as the Economic Capital of the Kingdom. It has thus secured its prominent and imminent niche in the landscape of the socio-economic development of the country. Given its economic vibrancy, it also attracts traders and people from all parts of the country. It is the home to the country’s major industries and is the major entry point to India, Bhutan’s major trading partner. It is also the main entry-port for almost all the goods imported into Bhutan.

From a small hamlets or a hardly any human settlement in 1950s, Phuentsholing, facilitated and accelerated by the launching of the First Five Year Plan in 1961 and simultaneous commencement of the construction of Phuentsholing-Thimphu National Highway, has grown at an unprecedented rate leading to the preparation of First Development Plan in 1987.

Phuentsholing has been experiencing tremendous pressure on development due to rapid commercialization and industrialization. To guide such unprecedented urban growth, Development Plan 1987-2001 was review and updated. Today, it is the second largest city in Bhutan with the total population of 20,537.

Geography:

Geographical Co-ordinates: 26 51’ N 89 23’ E
Distance: 176km from the Capital.
The nearest Airport: Bagdora, 4hrs drive.

Altitude: It lies at an altitude of 160 metres above mean sea level.

Climate: Sub-tropical to temperate (Temperatures varies between 18 degrees in winter to 38 degrees in summer). It experiences all four seasons with a heavy monsoon rain for about three months starting from June.

Rivers: Amo Chhu(known as Toorsa in West Bengal & Chhu means river) which originates from China passes along the western periphery of the city. Om Chhu, a small perennial river which usually swells up during monsoon passes through the City thereby dividing it into two parts.

Area & Population: 1.86 sq.km (1987-2001) has been increased to 19.68 sq.km.(2005) And the total population is 30,000(census survey-2005) with Annual Growth Rate of 3.0%