Situated in the eastern Himalayas, surrounded by powerful neighbours (India and China), Bhutan is for many, Shangri-la, a mythical country hidden in the mountains. Little populated - less than a million inhabitants - and the size of Switzerland, it has an undeniable charm and magic, according to Bhutan aficionados. Farmers for the most part, the Bhutanese practise Tibetan Buddhism, the state religion, which plays an important role in their daily lives. They are justly proud of never having been colonized. Furthermore, to protect local and traditional values, the government exercises a very restrictive policy regarding tourism. This policy shelters Bhutan wisely from the tourist hustle and bustle.