Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Bhutan
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Many countries and regions around the world are associated with colourful nicknames that reflect their culture, geography or folklore. In the case of certain Himalayan regions, nicknames often highlight dramatic weather and spiritual symbolism. This question asks which Asian country is known as the Land of Thunderbolt, closely related to the idea of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The phrase Land of Thunderbolt is given as a nickname.
- The options include Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bolivia.
- Bolivia is not an Asian country, so this immediately helps narrow down choices.
- We assume the learner has some awareness of Himalayan kingdoms and their traditional names.
Concept / Approach:
The traditional local name for Bhutan is Druk Yul, which translates to Land of the Thunder Dragon. This name comes from the national symbol of the dragon and the frequent thunderstorms in the Himalayan region. The English nickname Land of Thunderbolt is a simplified way of referring to the same dramatic weather and spiritual imagery. Therefore, among the options, Bhutan is the correct answer. Nepal and Myanmar have different nicknames and Bolivia is in South America, not Asia.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Eliminate Bolivia because it is not an Asian country, whereas the question clearly specifies an Asian country.
Step 2: Recall that Bhutan is known as Druk Yul, meaning Land of the Thunder Dragon, in its own language.
Step 3: Recognise that Land of Thunderbolt or Land of Thunder can be used as a descriptive English equivalent of this idea.
Step 4: Confirm that neither Nepal nor Myanmar is widely described by this specific nickname, and select Bhutan.
Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification is to think of Bhutan's national flag, which prominently displays a dragon, and the many references in books and travel articles that call Bhutan the Land of the Thunder Dragon. These sources often mention the local name Druk Yul as part of the explanation. While Nepal is often called the Land of the Himalayas and Myanmar has its own distinct identity, the thunder related nickname is strongly associated with Bhutan.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Nepal: Famous for Mount Everest and the Himalayas, but typically called the Land of the Himalayas, not Land of Thunderbolt.
- Myanmar: Known historically as Burma, but it does not carry this specific thunder related nickname.
- Bolivia: Not in Asia and therefore outside the geographic scope of the question.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse different poetic nicknames for Himalayan regions and think of Nepal because of its tall peaks and frequent storms. Another error is to overlook the detail that the question refers specifically to an Asian country, which immediately rules out Bolivia. Linking the nickname with the dragon symbol and the traditional name Druk Yul can help fix Bhutan in memory as the correct answer.
Final Answer:
The Asian country known by the nickname Land of Thunderbolt is Bhutan.
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