Bhutan, a small kingdom between two of the most populous and biggest countries of the world, India and China, has always been independent. It is not hard to see why given the geographical location of the country and its self imposed isolation that Bhutan took on until the early sixties.

Prior to the end of self-isolation, the only "foreign relations" were limited to trade on a small scale by individuals, with Tibet and the bordering states of India. Therefore, from not having any Foreign Relations as such in the late 1950s, Bhutan today maintains diplomatic relations with 19 countries. Bhutan has also joined more than 150 international organizations including the United Nations (in 1971) over the years.

Although there are only two foreign embassies in Bhutan, namely India and Bangladesh, there are more that 54 international agencies operating in development projects within the country.

Bhutan's foreign relations have been concentrated within the South Asian region, bi-lateral relations with smaller countries, and multilateral organizations that are oriented, more towards economic issues than political ones. Bhutan has steered clear of the super powers in order to keep from "being dragged into great power politics. It does not have any diplomatic relations with the five permanent members of the UN, including China with which it has a border of 470 kilometers.

Bhutan's foreign policy "can be described as pragmatic, utilitarian, neutral and traditional". (Mathou)

The objectives of Bhutan's Foreign policies can be grouped into three main ones. As the King himself has said, Bhutan:

1.  Is, "Politically committed to a strong and loyal sense of nationhood to ensuring the peace and security    of its citizens and the sovereign territorial integrity of its land."

2. Aims, "To achieve economic self-reliance".

3. Wishes, "To preserve the ancient religions and cultural heritage that have for so many centuries  strengthened and enriched Bhutan's life".