Bhutan
Kingdom of Bhutan
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.65%
Situated in Southern Asia, Bhutan has a population of approximately 791.5k—a modestly sized nation in population terms. This landlocked territory spans 38,394 km² with a density of 21 people per km². Its capital is Thimphu, and Dzongkha is the official language, while the Bhutanese ngultrum serves as the national currency.
Population
791,524
Area
38,394 km²
Density
21/km²
World Rank
#167
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 12.7 per thousand against deaths at 6.1 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 20.9% of residents under 15 and 6.5% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Thimphu
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Southern Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Dzongkha
- Currencies
- Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu.), Indian rupee (₹)
- Calling Code
- +975
- Top-Level Domain
- .bt
- Landlocked
- Yes
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+06:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 791,524
- Land Area
- 38,394 km²
- Population Density
- 21 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.65%
- Annual Growth
- +5,145 people
- Daily Growth
- +14 people
- World Population Share
- 0.01%
- Coordinates
- 27.50°, 90.50°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
At around $3.8k per person, the economy falls into the lower-middle-income tier, reflecting ongoing development needs. Unemployment sits at 3.2%, below the global average of 5.8%. Income distribution is comparatively egalitarian, reflected in a Gini index of 28.5.
Life Expectancy
73.0 years
GDP per Capita
$3,831
Birth Rate
12.7 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
42.6%
Fertility Rate
1.46 births/woman
Infant Mortality
18.5 per 1,000
Unemployment
3.2%
Literacy Rate
64.9%
Internet Users
88.4%
Under 15
20.9%
Over 65
6.5%
Health Spending
4.4% GDP
Gini Index
28.5
Age Distribution
0-14 years
166K
15-64 years
575K
65+ years
51K
Urbanization
About 42.6% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Thimphu serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net inward migration of 455.0 per thousand is contributing to urban growth and reshaping community demographics.
336,873
42.6%
454,651
57.4%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 73.0 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 18.5 per thousand live births, somewhat higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 64.9% is below the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Bhutan is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.5 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Bhutan participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 791,524 |
| 2030 | 812,658 |
| 2035 | 840,612 |
| 2040 | 870,268 |
| 2045 | 901,628 |
| 2050 | 934,705 |
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bhutan?
The population of Bhutan is approximately 791,524 as of 2026, making it #167 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Bhutan?
The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu.
What languages are spoken in Bhutan?
The main languages spoken in Bhutan are Dzongkha.
How big is Bhutan?
Bhutan covers an area of 38,394 km² with a population density of 21 people per km².
Is Bhutan growing or shrinking?
Bhutan is growing at a rate of 0.65% per year, adding approximately 5,145 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Bhutan?
The average life expectancy in Bhutan is 73.0 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Bhutan?
The GDP per capita of Bhutan is $3,831.