Bhutan

More than 85% of Bhutanese practice Buddhism.  Unlike some who practice western religions, Buddhism is integrated into the daily life of Bhutanese people and is practiced both with prayer and actions throughout the day.

Buddhism holds equal rank in the country with the Monarchy.  In the main Buddhist temples, one finds two chairs, one on each side of the alter.  One is for the grand lama of Bhutan, the spiritual leader.  The other is for the king.  The two chairs are identical in size and height -- signifying the equality of church and state.  That having been said, the grand lama never engages in issues of state.  That is left for the king, the prime minister and the parliament.