Thimphu is the capital and largest city of Bhutan. It is situated in the western central part of Bhutan. The city became the capital of Bhutan in 1961 and as of 2005 it had a population of 79,185. Thimphu is spread over an altitudinal range between 2,248 metres and 2,648 metres. Unusually for a capital city, Thimphu is not served by an airport, but relies on the airport at Paro, connected by road some 54 km away.

Thimphu is the political and economic centre of Bhutan with a dominant agricultural and livestock base. Tourism, though a contributor to the economy, is strictly regulated, maintaining a balance between the traditional and modernization. Thimphu is home to most of the important political buildings in Bhutan, including the National Assembly of the newly formed parliamentary democracy and Dechencholing Palace, the official residence of the King.

The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in Thimphu in respect of literature, religion, customs, and national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, dance, literature and in the media. Tsechu festival is an important festival when mask dances, popularly known as Cham dances, are performed in the courtyards of the Tashichhoe Dzong in Thimphu.