Bhutan is an amazing country located in the mountains of the Himalayas. Known for its unique culture and philosophy of life, it also impresses with its small population. As of 2021, Bhutan has a population of approximately 763,092 people, according to the latest data.
Bhutan is known for its booming economy and bizarre nature, but its population is a source of constant interest to explore. The Bhutanese are known for their longevity, with an average life expectancy of around 70 years. Additionally, Bhutan is famous for its low population density, making it one of the least populated countries in the region.
Although the Bhutanese are few in number, their diversity never ceases to amaze. The country is inhabited by active speakers of various dialects of the Tibeto-Burman language family. However, the official language of the country is Dzongkha, which is believed to have its own secret meaning and conveys key values of Bhutanese heritage. The population of Bhutan, divided into various ethnic groups, exhibits the uniqueness of the cultural and religious traditions of this country, making it truly amazing.
Bhutan: population and statistics
Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is located in South Asia. This small country located in the Himalayas has a unique way of life and culture.
Bhutan has a population of approximately 750,000 (as of 2021). However, exact numbers may be inconsistent due to difficulties in collecting data as many Bhutanese live in remote mountainous areas. Despite this, Bhutan is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
The main ethnic group in Bhutan is the Bhutanese, who make up 50% of the population. Other important ethnic groups include Nepalese (15%), Indians (13%) and the so-called «others» (22%). Despite the diversity of ethnic groups, a single national language, Dzongkha, predominates within the country.
The average life expectancy in Bhutan is about 70 years, which is on par with other South Asian countries. The country’s health care is gradually improving and it has made significant progress in the fight against poverty and inequality.
Bhutan is also known for its high forest density and environmental protection. More than 70% of the country is covered in forests, making it one of the greenest places on the planet. Bhutan’s development strategy is based on the concept of «Happiness» and the country actively attracts tourists for its unique ecological beauty and cultural heritage.
Bhutan’s history and culture are unique and fascinating. The country’s people have succeeded in preserving and protecting their traditions, and the country’s heritage reflects the richness and depth of its history.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about Bhutan that may surprise you:
- Bhutan is the only country in the world where the population happiness index serves as a major component of its policy agenda. Bhutan’s goal is to achieve social happiness, not just economic development.
- Bhutan has a constitutional ban on the advertising and sale of tobacco products.
- Bhutan is the only country in the world where all government schools teach children the ancient traditional national wrestling known as «Dho» as a subject of education.
- In Bhutan, it is customary to measure GDP (gross domestic product) in terms of «Gross National Happiness», which takes into account not only economic growth, but also quality of life, healthcare, education and other social indicators.
- Due to its mountainous terrain and remote location, Bhutan is one of the most inaccessible countries in the world. This creates a unique atmosphere and contributes to the preservation of many traditions and cultural values.
- Bhutan is the only country in the world where the use of plastic bags is banned. This is a country where conservation and environmental sustainability play an important role in people’s daily lives.
All these features make Bhutan a unique country with rich traditions, spiritual values and a desire for the happiness of its people.
Dancing and music
Dance and music play an important role in culture and social life in Bhutan. These arts are closely related to religion and have an ancient history. Traditional Bhutanese dances are called cham and are performed in monasteries and at various festivals.
Such dances are an important part of Buddhist ceremonies and serve to depict various religious and historical events. Dancers wear bright and colorful costumes, masks and accessories while performing cham, which makes the performance even more exciting for the audience.
However, Cham is not the only popular dance form in Bhutan. Other dance styles are also practiced here, including modern choreographies. They are performed at festive events, weddings and other social events.
Music in Bhutan is closely related to dance and is an important aspect of the culture. Traditional instrumental music includes various wind and percussion instruments such as flute, gong, drums, etc. Many musical compositions in Bhutan can be spontaneously composed and performed during various ceremonies and festivals.
Dance and music in Bhutan are an important way of embodying and transmitting the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage. They continue to remain significant and popular in modern society, simultaneously combining tradition and modernity.
Culture and traditions
The Bhutanese people have deep respect for the royal family and the ruler of the country. The monarchy plays an important role in the cultural life of Bhutan and is of great importance to the local population.
One of the main features of Bhutanese culture is the practice of Buddhism. Buddhism permeates every aspect of Bhutanese life and has a profound influence on their understanding of the world. Most local residents practice Mahayana Buddhism, which is an important part of their cultural heritage.
Traditional Bhutanese clothing, known as go, is also an important part of the country’s culture. Men wear a go, which consists of a kimono-like dress, a tight Panama hat, and long stockings. Women wear the kira, a straight dress that also covers the shoulders and head.
Much attention is paid to traditional Bhutanese holidays, which are accompanied by dancing, music and various rituals. One of the most famous holidays is Tsheshu — the celebration of the new year according to the Bhutanese calendar. This festival is accompanied by dancing in costumes of evil spirits and is a vivid manifestation of the traditions and culture of Bhutan.
Understanding and preserving Bhutan’s culture and traditions are an important part of the country’s national identity and uniqueness. Bhutan continues to carefully preserve its culture and traditions for many generations, which makes it special and attractive to tourists from all over the world.
Statistics
Bhutan has a population of about 750 thousand people, of which approximately 60% live in rural areas. Bhutan ranks 158th in the world in terms of population. The average age of the country’s residents is about 27 years.
Bhutan is one of the few countries where the happiness index, rather than GDP, plays an important role. According to the United Nations, Bhutan is one of the happiest countries in the world.
More than 75% of Bhutan’s population professes Buddhism, which is the state religion of the country. Buddhism has a huge influence on the culture and lifestyle of the people of Bhutan.
Women make up approximately half of Bhutan’s population. The country has laws and policies to support and protect women’s rights.
Bhutan is one of the few countries that almost completely provides its citizens with access to free medicine and education. Health services and education are considered priorities by the Bhutanese government.
Population growth
According to statistics, in 1950 the population of Bhutan was only about 100 thousand people. But thanks to improved medical conditions and improved living standards, the country’s population has increased significantly. By 2021, the population of Bhutan is estimated to be around 800 thousand.
Despite this growth, Bhutan continues to be one of the countries with the lowest population density. Vast mountainous areas, the remoteness of some villages and the small area of the country lead to an uneven distribution of the population and its concentration mainly in cities.
Moreover, the Bhutanese government is actively regulating population migration and taking measures to reduce population growth. The country has a birth control program, encourages families with one or two children, and implements poverty alleviation measures, which in turn helps reduce the birth rate.
Thus, Bhutan continues to balance between preserving its unique culture and providing decent living conditions for its citizens.
Ethnic composition
The main ethnic group is the Drupa people (also known as Bhutans), who constitute about 50% of the country’s population. They are a local population and are a group of people who speak Dzonkha, the official language of Bhutan.
Bhutan is also home to many other ethnic groups, including the Nepali people, who make up approximately 35% of the population. These groups inhabit predominantly the southern regions of the country and speak Nepali.
In addition, Bhutan is also home to Tibetans, Kintiringpas and other ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions, languages and cultures.
Due to its ethnic diversity, Bhutan is a multi-ethnic state with a rich cultural heritage and traditions.
| Ethnic group | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Drup (Bhutans) | 50% |
| Nepalese | 35% |
| Tibetans | 9% |
| Kintiringpa | 3% |
| Other | 3% |