Overview

Bhutan is one of just three countries in the world that is carbon negative: its vast forest cover absorbs more carbon dioxide than the Himalayan country produces. Climate change, however, is putting pressure on this biodiverse country, as increased glacier melt and unpredictable rainfall patterns disrupt its important agricultural sector. Insurance and risk finance can form part of the solution.

UNDP is working with international partners in Bhutan to increase the financial resilience of smallholder farmers, while preserving ecosystems and setting the foundation for sustainable growth.

Main Natural Hazards

Earthquake, Flood

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1 Source:
https://drmkc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/inform-index/INFORM-Risk/Country-Risk-Profile
Number of insurance providers

1 composite insurer, 1 non-life insurer and 1 reinsurer

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1 Source:
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/612901593611350666/pdf/Bhutan-Financial-Institutions-Training-Institute-FITI.pdf
% Workforce engaged in agriculture

44% (2022)

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1 Source:
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS
Insurance penetration

0.75% (2021)

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1 Source:
https://www.nsb.gov.bt/download/12175/
Biodiversity ranking

#78 out of 239 countries and territories (2023)

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1 Source:
https://worldrainforests.com/03highest_biodiversity.htm
Small business % contribution to workforce

11% of total employment (2020)

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1 Source:
https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2023-03/undp-bhutan-addressing-youth-unemployment-through-a-systemic-portfolio-based-approach_0.pdf

Our projects

Woman pouring tea