Sitting in a large valley at 2320m, Thimphu is the country's capital and the seat of government. The population of the city is around 100,000 which by UK standards makes it a small town but in a Bhutanese context this makes Thimphu the country's only ‘metropolis'. Here you will find the most important Dzong (Trashi Chhoe) in Bhutan, a royal palace, numerous monasteries, the famous chorten, the national football stadium (overlooked by a statue of Buddha), colourful markets and some of the country's most luxurious hotels. Thimphu is also home to a number of excellent cultural museums and academies.