11 July 2012 Last updated at 04:24 ET

Bhutan profile

• Overview
• Facts
• Leaders
• Media
• Timeline
• In pictures

TV came late to Bhutan

Television did not come to Bhutan until 1999. For years, the country cut itself off, fearing that outside influences would undermine its monarchy and culture.

Radio broadcasting began in 1973 and the internet arrived in 1999.

Media freedom is restricted. Reporters Without Borders says the monarchy "makes few allowances for pluralist news".

State-funded BBS is the only TV station to broadcast from Bhutanese soil. But cable TV thrives, with rival services offering dozens of Indian and international channels.

There were nearly 99,000 internet users by December 2011 (Internetworldstats.com).

The press

• Bhutan Today - private, daily
• Kuensel - established title
• The Bhutan Times - private, bi-weekly
• Bhutan Observer - private, weekly
• The Bhutanese - private, bi-weekly

Television

• Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) - state-owned

Radio

• Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) - state-owned
• Kuzoo FM - private
• Radio Valley - private