Bhutan
Bhutan is a landlocked constitutional monarchy situated in the eastern Himalayas of Southern Asia, known for its unique developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Recent estimates show the nation has a population of approximately 802,000 people and an estimated GDP per capita of $4,389.
Where is Bhutan?
Bhutan
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Bhutan
- Coordinates
- 27.50°, 90.50°
Population Details
- Population
- 801.9K
- Area
- 38,394 km²
- Density per km²
- 21 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.65%
- Annual growth
- +5.2K people
- Daily growth
- +14.31 people
- World population share
- 0.01%
Population Trend
Historical series from 1960 to 2026
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Bhutan
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Thimphu
- Region
- Asia
- Area
- 38,394 km²
- Languages
- Dzongkha
- Currency
- Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu.), Indian rupee (₹)
- Timezones
- UTC+06:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
The economy of Bhutan is characterized by steady growth, with recent data showing an annual GDP expansion of 4.63%. The country ranks 180th globally in total GDP and 148th in GDP per capita, which places it 4th among the nine nations in Southern Asia for individual wealth. While the unemployment rate is 3.227%, ranking 140th globally, the government continues to leverage natural resources such as hydropower, timber, and calcium carbonate to drive development. Hydropower exports to India and a strictly regulated tourism sector are the primary pillars of the national economy.
Society
Bhutan has achieved high levels of digital connectivity, with recent data showing that 91.28% of the population uses the internet, giving the country a global rank of 53rd. The life expectancy at birth stands at approximately 73.3 years, which ranks 121st globally. Educational progress is reflected in an adult literacy rate of 64.91%, which ranks 145th out of 170 countries, as the kingdom continues to expand access to schools in remote mountainous regions.
Climate & Environment
The climate varies from subtropical in the southern foothills to alpine in the northern Himalayan peaks, with the highest point at Gangkar Puensum reaching 7,570 m (24,836 ft). Most central valleys experience temperate weather with a distinct monsoon season that brings heavy rainfall between June and September.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- constitutional monarchy
- Independence
- 1949-08-08 (India)
Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy, a political system formally established after the nation's first democratic elections. The Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King, serves as the Head of State, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the National Council, which acts as a house of review with 25 members, and the National Assembly, which has 47 elected members. The 2008 constitution provides the legal framework for this system, transitioning the country from an absolute monarchy. Political administration is guided by the four pillars of Gross National Happiness, which prioritize environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable socioeconomic development alongside good governance. The capital, Thimphu, serves as the administrative heart for the nation's 20 districts.
History
Bhutan's history is defined by its long-standing independence and unique cultural identity within the Himalayas. The region was first unified in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan lama who established the dual system of religious and secular government. For centuries, Bhutan remained largely isolated from the outside world, successfully defending its sovereignty against various regional powers. In 1907, the country transitioned to a hereditary monarchy with the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King. Bhutan formally gained independence from India on 8 August 1949, following the signing of a friendship treaty that shaped its modern foreign relations. Throughout the 20th century, the third and fourth kings initiated significant modernization efforts, including joining the United Nations and ending the country's self-imposed isolation. A pivotal moment occurred in the early 2000s when the monarchy voluntarily introduced democratic reforms, leading to the adoption of the first constitution. Today, the nation maintains its independence while balancing modern growth with the protection of its 38394 km² (14824 sq mi) territory and ancient traditions.
Notable Facts
- Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world, maintaining forest cover over approximately 70% of its land area.
- The highest point in the country is Gangkar Puensum at 7570 m (24836 ft), which is widely considered the highest unclimbed mountain on Earth.
- The capital city of Thimphu is one of the very few national capitals globally that does not use any traffic lights to manage vehicle flow.
- Bhutanese law mandates that all citizens wear national dress—the gho for men and the kira for women—when visiting government offices or attending formal functions.
- The nation is famous for its 'Gross National Happiness' index, a development philosophy that measures collective well-being rather than focusing strictly on economic output.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m)
- Lowest Point
- Drangme Chhu (97 m)
- Coastline
- 0 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in BhutanExplore weather and climate data for cities in Bhutan
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Thimphu
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C / 1°C | 9°C / -1°C | 20days (59 mm) Wet | 9.7h Good | 81% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| February | 11°C / 2°C | 9°C / 0°C | 21days (107 mm) Wet | 9.8h Good | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| March | 15°C / 5°C | 14°C / 3°C | 28days (165 mm) Wet | 10.5h Excellent | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| April | 18°C / 8°C | 18°C / 7°C | 29days (175 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| May | 20°C / 12°C | 21°C / 11°C | 29days (273 mm) Wet | 10h Excellent | 84% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| June best | 23°C / 16°C | 25°C / 17°C | 29days (440 mm) Wet | 7.8h Good | 87% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| July best | 23°C / 17°C | 26°C / 19°C | 30days (437 mm) Wet | 5.8h Fair | 88% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| August best | 23°C / 17°C | 26°C / 18°C | 30days (367 mm) Wet | 6.6h Fair | 87% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| September best | 23°C / 15°C | 25°C / 16°C | 27days (267 mm) Wet | 8h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| October best | 20°C / 10°C | 21°C / 10°C | 20days (175 mm) Wet | 9.3h Good | 82% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| November | 17°C / 5°C | 16°C / 3°C | 15days (48 mm) Wet | 9.9h Good | 81% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| December | 14°C / 3°C | 12°C / 1°C | 15days (55 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 82% Humid | Fair | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 11°C / 1°C . Feb: 11°C / 2°C . Mar: 15°C / 5°C . Apr: 18°C / 8°C . May: 20°C / 12°C . Jun: 23°C / 16°C . Jul: 23°C / 17°C . Aug: 23°C / 17°C . Sep: 23°C / 15°C . Oct: 20°C / 10°C . Nov: 17°C / 5°C . Dec: 14°C / 3°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 59 mm. Feb: 107 mm. Mar: 165 mm. Apr: 175 mm. May: 273 mm. Jun: 440 mm. Jul: 437 mm. Aug: 367 mm. Sep: 267 mm. Oct: 175 mm. Nov: 48 mm. Dec: 55 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Bhutan is approximately 801.9K (2024).
The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu.
Bhutan's GDP per capita is $4.4K (2023).
Life expectancy in Bhutan is 73.26 years (2024).
Bhutan covers 38,394 km² (14,824 sq mi).
Bhutan is sparsely populated, averaging 21 people per km², below the global average of 60.
Bhutan's population is growing steadily at 0.7% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Bhutan falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $4.4K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Bhutan reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.
Bhutan uses the Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu.) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Bhutan are June, July, August, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.
Recent estimates show that Bhutan's population is approximately 802,000 people. This total ranks the country 164th globally and 46th out of 49 countries within Asia. The population is relatively small compared to its neighbors, with an annual growth rate of approximately 0.65%.
Bhutan's estimated GDP per capita is $4,389. This figure ranks the nation 148th globally and 32nd out of 48 countries in the Asian region. Within Southern Asia, Bhutan holds the 4th highest rank for GDP per capita among the nine subregional nations.
Recent data indicates that 91.28% of the population in Bhutan has access to the internet. This high rate of connectivity gives the country a global rank of 53rd for internet usage. The nation has prioritized digital infrastructure to overcome the geographical challenges of its mountainous terrain.
The life expectancy at birth in Bhutan is approximately 73.3 years according to recent data. This figure ranks the kingdom 121st globally. Significant health improvements have been driven by the government's commitment to providing free basic healthcare services to all citizens.
The adult literacy rate in Bhutan is approximately 64.91%. This ranks the country 145th out of 170 nations according to the latest available data. While this reflects a lower tier globally, the government continues to expand educational programs and vocational training.
Yes, Bhutan is a landlocked country located in Southern Asia, covering an area of 38,394 km² (14,824 sq mi). It is bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west, with no direct access to the sea.
The estimated 2026 population of Bhutan is 801,869 people. This figure is based on a projection from the official 2024 population of 791,524 using the current annual growth rate of 0.65%. The population remains one of the smallest in Southern Asia, reflecting the country's unique geographical constraints.
Bhutan currently holds a population rank of global 164 of 215 countries. Within its regional context, it ranks 46th out of 49 countries in Asia and 8th out of 9 in the Southern Asia subregion. Its small size is a defining feature compared to neighboring India and China.
The current estimated 2026 population density of Bhutan is 21 people per km² (54 per sq mi). This low density ranks the country 183rd globally and 44th within Asia. Much of the land remains uninhabited or sparsely populated due to the high-altitude terrain and extensive national forest cover.
Bhutan's population is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.65% according to the latest official 2024 data. While the population continues to increase, the growth rate has slowed significantly over recent decades as the country undergoes a demographic transition toward lower fertility and higher life expectancy.
Recent data indicates that Bhutan has a fertility rate of 1.45 births per woman, which ranks 163rd globally. This rate is below the replacement level of 2.1, suggesting that the population may eventually stabilize or decline in the future as family sizes continue to decrease in urban settings.
According to current estimates, 42.6% of Bhutan's population lives in urban areas, ranking it 166th globally for urbanization. The country is seeing a steady shift as young people leave rural agricultural areas for the capital city, Thimphu, and other growing urban centers for better employment opportunities.
All Indicators
Explore Bhutan's data across 50+ indicators
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