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Writer's pictureTandin Penjor

Bhutanese People

Updated: Jan 4, 2023



The Bhutanese people are an ethnically diverse population that primarily inhabit the Kingdom of Bhutan in South Asia. Bhutan is a small, landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. The Bhutanese people are predominantly Buddhists and follow a unique form of Mahayana Buddhism known as Vajrayana. The Bhutanese culture is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and a bit of Hinduism, and the Bhutanese people are known for their strong cultural traditions and rich heritage.


The Bhutanese people are a resilient and hardworking people, with a strong sense of community and a deep respect for the natural environment. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Bhutanese economy, and the Bhutanese people are skilled farmers and herders. Bhutan is also home to a thriving tourism industry, which attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the country's unique culture and natural beauty.



The Bhutanese people are known for their strong sense of national pride and cultural identity. Bhutan has a rich cultural heritage, with a long history of traditional arts and crafts, including weaving, painting, and sculpture. Bhutanese architecture is also distinctive, with traditional houses featuring intricate woodcarvings and colorful decorations. The Bhutanese people are also known for their love of music and dance, and traditional Bhutanese music and dance performances are a common sight at festivals and celebrations.


Despite Bhutan's relatively small size and population, it is a culturally and linguistically diverse country. There are three main language groups in Bhutan: the Ngalop, the Sharchop, and the Lhotshampa. The Ngalop, also known as the Bhutanese, are the largest language group and are concentrated in the western and central regions of Bhutan. The Sharchop, who are concentrated in the eastern region of Bhutan, are the second largest language group. The Lhotshampa are a diverse group of people who migrated to Bhutan from Nepal in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.


The Bhutanese people are deeply religious and follow a unique form of Mahayana Buddhism known as Vajrayana. Vajrayana Buddhism combines elements of Mahayana Buddhism with Tantric practices and rituals. The Bhutanese people are also influenced by Hinduism, and many Bhutanese people follow both Buddhist and Hindu practices. The Bhutanese people are known for their strong devotion to their spiritual beliefs, and religious festivals and celebrations are an important part of Bhutanese culture.



Despite the strong cultural traditions of the Bhutanese people, Bhutan is also a rapidly modernizing country. Bhutan has made significant progress in recent years in improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and the Bhutanese people are increasingly embracing new technologies and ideas. Bhutan is also a constitutional monarchy, with a democratic system of government, and the Bhutanese people have a strong commitment to democracy and human rights.


In conclusion, Bhutanese people are a culturally and linguistically diverse population with a rich heritage and a strong sense of national pride. Bhutan is a rapidly modernizing country, but the Bhutanese people have a deep respect for their cultural traditions and a strong commitment to democracy and human rights.

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