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Bhutan: Quick Facts

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News •

Ibrahim strike gives Bangladesh 1-0 win over Bhutan in SAFF C'ship opener • Nov. 5, 2026, 11:04 AM ET (Daily Star)
Bhutan sets Guinness record by raising 108 stupas in 9 hours • Nov. 4, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (The Hindu)
Bhutan makes history as 108 stupas are consecrated in a single day • Nov. 3, 2026, 9:44 AM ET (Daily Star)
Bhutan builds 108 stupas in 9 hours, dedicates No. 76 to PM Modi • Nov. 1, 2026, 11:37 AM ET (The Hindu)
4,000 moved to safety in Bengal after Bhutan glacial lake outburst triggers flood alert • Oct. 30, 2026, 3:00 AM ET (The Hindu)

Facts

Also Known As Kingdom of Bhutan • Druk-Yul
Head Of Government Prime Minister: Tshering Tobgay
Capital Thimphu
Population (2026 est.) 790,700
Head Of State King: Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk
Form Of Government constitutional monarchy1 with two legislative houses (National Council [252]; National Assembly [47])
Official Language Dzongkha (a Tibetan dialect)
Official Religion See footnote 4.
Official Name Druk-Yul (Kingdom of Bhutan)
Total Area (Sq Km) 38,394
Total Area (Sq Mi) 14,824
Monetary Unit ngultrum5 (Nu)
Population Rank (2026) 168
Population Projection 2030 826,000
Density: Persons Per Sq Mi (2026) 53.3
Density: Persons Per Sq Km (2026) 20.6
Urban-Rural Population Urban: (2017) 34.1% • Rural: (2017) 65.9%
Life Expectancy At Birth Male: (2021) 73.9 years • Female: (2021) 75.9 years
Gni (U.S.$ ’000,000) (2023) 2,931
Gni Per Capita (U.S.$) (2023) 3,730
1Bhutan’s first constitution was promulgated on July 18, 2008.2Includes five members appointed by the king.3Buddhism is the spiritual heritage of Bhutan per article 3.1 of the 2008 constitution.4Indian currency is also accepted legal tender; the ngultrum is at par with the Indian rupee.

Photos and Videos

Bhutan
Political map of Bhutan showing its national boundaries with China to the north and India to the south, as well as major cities and towns including Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Bumthang. The map includes rivers and a small inset locator map highlighting Bhutan's position in southern Asia.
Map of South Asia highlighting Bhutan in orange, showing its location between India and China. Surrounding countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka are labeled, with major bodies of water such as the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean also marked. An inset globe in the top right corner indicates the region's position within Asia.
Physical map of Bhutan highlighting major mountain ranges, including the Great Himalaya Range and Lesser Himalayas, significant peaks like Kula Kangri and Mount Chomo Lhari, rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, and neighboring regions of China, India, and Bangladesh. An inset locator map shows Bhutan's position in South Asia.
Tiger's Nest Buddhist monastery
Thimpu, Bhutan: Tashi Chho monastery
terraced fields near a dzong
flag of Bhutan
Population density of Bhutan.
Bhutan
The word Bhutan appears in white text over a blue background.
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