Population of Bhutan
Population of Bhutan: Small, Diverse, and Harmonious
Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom with a population of approximately 780,000 people (as of 2024). Despite its modest size, the population is culturally rich and ethnically diverse, comprising three main ethnic groups: the Ngalop in the west, the Sharchop in the east, and the Lhotshampa in the south. Dzongkha is the national language, while many regional dialects and languages reflect the country’s diverse heritage.
Most of Bhutan’s population lives in rural areas, with agriculture as a primary livelihood. However, urban centers like Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing are growing rapidly as the country modernizes. Bhutan maintains a strong sense of community and national identity, fostered by its unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness, which emphasizes well-being over economic gain. This has helped ensure a peaceful, balanced society where tradition and progress coexist in harmony.
