Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. It is also the largest city with an estimated population of 50,000. Until 1955, Bhutan had two capitals - Thimphu for summer and Punakha for winter. With the growing size of the country's administration, Thimphu was made the permanent seat by the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. However, till the late seventies, Thimphu was just a cluster of villages with life revolving around the Tashicho Dzong - the seat of the government and of the central monastic body. Even today the various areas of Thimphu are referred by their original names such as Chubachu, Changzamto, Mothithang and Kawang Jangsa.

Towards the end of the seventies Thimphu started developing as a city and the boom in construction is still on today. Thimphu is the political and economic hub of the country. Two landmarks dominate the view of Thimphu. The Tashicho Dzong (fortress of the glorious religion) and the Memorial Chorten.