World · permanent entity record · BT

Bhutan

Thirty-second orientation

Bhutan at a glance

Capital: Thimphu; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Population: 796,682; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025
Area: 38,394 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Nationality / demonym: noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural); adjective: Bhutanese; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Government: constitutional monarchy; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Languages: Sharchopkha 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04

Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history

Bhutan through time

1971-09-21
Admitted to the United Nations
Bhutan became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04

Source history · changed fields only

Changes since the final CIA profile

Field	Maintained Almanac value	Final CIA profile
Population	796,682World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025	total: 892,877 (2025 est.) male: 461,679 female: 431,198CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-20

A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.

World Development Indicators · latest available observation

People, economy, and access

Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.

Gross domestic product: $3.6 billion; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Gross domestic product per person: $4,493; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Life expectancy at birth: 73.3 years; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Urban population: 43.4%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Access to electricity: 100.0%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
People using the internet: 91.3%; World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.

World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.

Maintained profile

Capital: Thimphu; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
Area: 38,394 sq km; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
Population: 796,682; World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
Currency: ngultrum (BTN); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
Languages: Sharchopkha 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.); CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
Nationality / demonym: noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural); adjective: Bhutanese; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
Government: constitutional monarchy; CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
UN membership: 1971-09-21; United Nations, Member States · as of 2026-09-04
Continent: Asia; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “South Asia.”
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian- and Nepali-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6% (2005 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Flag colors: yellow, orange, black, white; CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
National symbol: mythical thunder dragon (druk); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Highest point: Gangkar Puensum · 24,836 ft (7,570 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
Lowest point: Drangeme Chhu · 318 ft (97 m); CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · as of 2026-01-20Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
NATO membership: Not a member; NATO, What is NATO? · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
BRICS membership: Not a member; BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · as of 2026-09-06Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.

Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data

Final CIA World Factbook profile

This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.

CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated 2026-01-20 · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b

Introduction1 fields

Background: After Britain’s victory in the 1865 Duar War, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding land to British India. Ugyen WANGCHUCK -- who had served as the de facto ruler of an increasingly unified Bhutan and had improved relations with the British toward the end of the 19th century -- was named king in 1907. Three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Bhutan negotiated a similar arrangement with independent India in 1949. The Indo-Bhutanese Treaty of Friendship returned to Bhutan a small piece of the territory annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. Under a succession of modernizing monarchs beginning in the 1950s, Bhutan joined the UN in 1971 and slowly continued its engagement beyond its borders. In 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the draft of Bhutan's first constitution -- which introduced major democratic reforms -- and held a national referendum for its approval. The King abdicated the throne in 2006 in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK. In 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty, eliminating the clause that stated that Bhutan would be "guided by" India in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate closely with New Delhi. In 2008, Bhutan held its first parliamentary election in accordance with the constitution. Bhutan experienced a peaceful turnover of power following a parliamentary election in 2013, which resulted in the defeat of the incumbent party. In 2018, the incumbent party again lost the parliamentary election. In 2024, of the more than 100,000 ethnic Nepali -- predominantly Lhotshampa -- refugees who fled or were forced out of Bhutan in the 1990s, about 6,500 remain displaced in Nepal.; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Geography16 fields

Location: Southern Asia, between China and India; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geographic coordinates: 27 30 N, 90 30 E; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Map references: Asia; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area: total : 38,394 sq km land: 38,394 sq km water: 0 sq km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Area - comparative: slightly larger than Maryland; about one-half the size of Indiana; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land boundaries: total: 1,136 km border countries (2): China 477 km; India 659 km; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maritime claims: none (landlocked); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Terrain: mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Elevation: highest point: Gangkar Puensum 7,570 m lowest point: Drangeme Chhu 97 m mean elevation: 2,220 m; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural resources: timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 13.8% (2023 est.) arable land: 2.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 10.8% (2023 est.) forest: 70.6% (2023 est.) other: 15.6% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Irrigated land: 320 sq km (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Natural hazards: violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's Bhutanese name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Geography - note: landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

People and Society33 fields

Population: total: 892,877 (2025 est.) male: 461,679 female: 431,198; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Nationality: noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural) adjective: Bhutanese; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Ethnic groups: Ngalop (also known as Bhote) 50%, ethnic Nepali 35% (predominantly Lhotshampas), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Languages: Sharchopkha 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Religions: Lamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian- and Nepali-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6% (2005 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Age structure: 0-14 years: 23.1% (male 104,771/female 99,981) 15-64 years: 70.2% (male 322,497/female 298,324) 65 years and over: 6.7% (2024 est.) (male 30,397/female 28,576); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Dependency ratios: total dependency ratio: 42.1 (2025 est.) youth dependency ratio: 32.4 (2025 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 9.7 (2025 est.) potential support ratio: 10.3 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Median age: total: 31.2 years (2025 est.) male: 31.1 years female: 30.3 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population growth rate: 0.93% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Birth rate: 15.05 births/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Death rate: 5.75 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Net migration rate: 0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 44.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Major urban areas - population: 203,000 THIMPHU (capital) (2018); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female total population: 1.07 male(s)/female (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Maternal mortality ratio: 47 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Infant mortality rate: total: 23 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 24.6 deaths/1,000 live births female: 23.9 deaths/1,000 live births; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.7 years (2024 est.) male: 72.5 years female: 75 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total fertility rate: 1.75 children born/woman (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gross reproduction rate: 0.85 (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Drinking water source: urban: 99.5% of population (2022 est.) rural: 98.8% of population (2022 est.) total: 99.1% of population (2022 est.) urban: 0.5% of population (2022 est.) rural: 1.2% of population (2022 est.) total: 0.9% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Health expenditure: 3.8% of GDP (2021) 6.7% of national budget (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Physician density: 0.55 physicians/1,000 population (2022); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Hospital bed density: 2.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Sanitation facility access: urban: 91.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 85.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 87.9% of population (2022 est.) urban: 8.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 14.5% of population (2022 est.) total: 12.1% of population (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Obesity - adult prevalence rate: 6.4% (2016); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Alcohol consumption per capita: total: 0.07 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Tobacco use: total: 18.5% (2025 est.) male: 26.1% (2025 est.) female: 9.8% (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Children under the age of 5 years underweight: 8.7% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Currently married women (ages 15-49): 62% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Education expenditure: 5.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 22.2% national budget (2025 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Literacy: total population: 64.9% (2022 est.) male: 73.4% (2022 est.) female: 57% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education): total: 13 years (2022 est.) male: 12 years (2022 est.) female: 14 years (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Environment10 fields

Environmental issues: soil erosion; limited access to potable water; wildlife conservation; industrial pollution; waste disposal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International environmental agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Climate: varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Land use: agricultural land: 13.8% (2023 est.) arable land: 2.6% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.4% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 10.8% (2023 est.) forest: 70.6% (2023 est.) other: 15.6% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Urbanization: urban population: 44.4% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 2.52% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Carbon dioxide emissions: 733,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from coal and metallurgical coke: 241,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 492,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Particulate matter emissions: 26.4 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Waste and recycling: municipal solid waste generated annually: 111,300 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 1.7% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total water withdrawal: municipal: 17 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 3 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 318 million cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Total renewable water resources: 78 billion cubic meters (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Government24 fields

Country name: conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan conventional short form: Bhutan local long form: Druk Gyalkhap local short form: Druk Yul etymology: name may derive from the Sanskrit words bhoṭa, the name for Tibet, and anta, meaning "end" -- a reference to Bhutan's location at the southernmost end of Tibet; the local Dzongkha name Druk Yul means "Land of the Dragon"; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Government type: constitutional monarchy; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Capital: name: Thimphu geographic coordinates: 27 28 N, 89 38 E time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the origins of the name are unclear; the traditional explanation, dating to the 14th century, is that thim means "dissolve" and phu means "rock," in reference to a local deity who dissolved before a traveler's eyes, becoming a part of the rock on which the present city stands; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Administrative divisions: 20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Dagana, Gasa, Haa, Lhuentse, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatshel, Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, Sarpang, Thimphu, Trashigang, Trashi Yangtse, Trongsa, Tsirang, Wangdue Phodrang, Zhemgang; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legal system: civil law based on Buddhist religious law; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Constitution: history: previous governing documents were various royal decrees; first constitution drafted November 2001 to March 2005, ratified 18 July 2008 amendment process: proposed as a motion by simple majority vote in a joint session of Parliament; passage requires at least a three-fourths majority vote in a joint session of the next Parliament and assent by the king; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International law organization participation: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Citizenship: citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Bhutan dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Executive branch: chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006) head of government: Prime Minister Tshering TOBGAY (since 28 January 2024) cabinet: Council of Ministers or Lhengye Zhungtshog members nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve 5-year terms election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary but can be removed by a two-thirds vote of Parliament; leader of the majority party in Parliament is nominated as the prime minister, appointed by the monarch; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch: legislature name: Parliament (Chi Tshog) legislative structure: bicameral; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - lower chamber: chamber name: National Assembly (Tshogdu) number of seats: 47 (all directly elected) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 1/9/2024 parties elected and seats per party: People's Democratic Party (PDP) (30); Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) (17) percentage of women in chamber: 4.3% expected date of next election: January 2029; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Legislative branch - upper chamber: chamber name: National Council (Gyelyong Tshogde) number of seats: 25 (20 directly elected; 5 appointed) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 0 years most recent election date: 4/20/2023 parties elected and seats per party: N/A; note - the National Council is not party-based percentage of women in chamber: 12% expected date of next election: April 2028; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Judicial branch: highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of the chief justice and 4 associate justices) judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the monarch on the advice of the National Judicial Commission, a 4-member body to include the Legislative Committee of the National Assembly, the attorney general, the Chief Justice of Bhutan and the senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; other judges (drangpons) appointed by the monarch from among the High Court judges selected by the National Judicial Commission; chief justice serves a 5-year term or until reaching age 65 years, whichever is earlier; the 4 other judges serve 10-year terms or until age 65, whichever is earlier subordinate courts: High Court (first appellate court); District or Dzongkhag Courts; sub-district or Dungkhag Courts note: the Supreme Court has sole jurisdiction in constitutional matters; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Political parties: Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT Bhutan Tendrel Party or BTP Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa or DTT People's Democratic Party or PDP United Party of Bhutan (Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa) or DNT; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation in the US: consulate(s) general: 343 East, 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017 telephone: [1] (212) 682-2371 FAX: [1] (212) 661-0551 email address and website: consulate.pmbny@mfa.gov.bt https://www.mfa.gov.bt/pmbny/ note: Bhutan and the United States do not have diplomatic relations, but the two countries established consular relations on 23 July 1986; the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Bhutan was established in New York with an officer from the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the United Nations holding dual accreditation as the Consul General with consular jurisdiction in the US; Phuntsho NORBU has served as the Consul General since October 2022 and is the Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Diplomatic representation from the US: note: Although Bhutan and the United States have never established formal diplomatic relations, the two countries maintain informal relations via the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India, and Bhutan’s Mission to the United Nations in New York; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
International organization participation: ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Independence: 17 December 1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king); 8 August 1949 (Treaty of Friendship with India maintains Bhutanese independence); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National holiday: National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Flag: description: divided diagonally from the lower-left corner to the upper-right corner; the upper triangle is yellow, and the lower triangle is dark orange; centered along the dividing line is a large, stylized black-and-white dragon facing to the right; the dragon is called the Druk (Thunder Dragon) and is the national emblem meaning: white stands for purity, and the jewels in the dragon's claws symbolize wealth; the background colors represent the spiritual and secular powers in Bhutan, with orange standing for Buddhism and yellow for the ruling dynasty; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National symbol(s): mythical thunder dragon (druk); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National color(s): orange, yellow; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
National anthem(s): title: "Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom) lyrics/music: Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI history: adopted 1953; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Economy31 fields

Economic overview: hydropower investments spurring economic development; Gross National Happiness economy; sharp poverty declines; low inflation; strong monetary and fiscal policies; stable currency; fairly resilient response to COVID-19; key economic and strategic relations with India; climate vulnerabilities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP (purchasing power parity): $11.517 billion (2023 est.) $10.981 billion (2022 est.) $10.437 billion (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP growth rate: 4.9% (2023 est.) 5.2% (2022 est.) 4.4% (2021 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Real GDP per capita: $14,600 (2023 est.) $14,100 (2022 est.) $13,500 (2021 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP (official exchange rate): $3.019 billion (2023 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.8% (2024 est.) 4.2% (2023 est.) 5.6% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by sector of origin: agriculture: 15% (2023 est.) industry: 29.6% (2023 est.) services: 52.7% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
GDP - composition, by end use: household consumption: 59.4% (2023 est.) government consumption: 20.3% (2023 est.) investment in fixed capital: 44.5% (2023 est.) investment in inventories: 0.7% (2023 est.) exports of goods and services: 28.3% (2023 est.) imports of goods and services: -53.2% (2023 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Agricultural products: rice, milk, potatoes, root vegetables, maize, oranges, areca nuts, chillies/peppers, pumpkins/squash, carrots/turnips (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industries: cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Industrial production growth rate: 0% (2023 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Labor force: 406,500 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Unemployment rate: 2.9% (2024 est.) 3.2% (2023 est.) 6% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24): total: 13.8% (2024 est.) male: 11.2% (2024 est.) female: 16.5% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Population below poverty line: 12.4% (2022 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income: 28.5 (2022 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.6% (2022 est.) highest 10%: 22.7% (2022 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Remittances: 3.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 3.3% of GDP (2022 est.) 2.6% of GDP (2021 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Budget: revenues: $740.328 million (2020 est.) expenditures: $802.177 million (2020 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Public debt: 111% of GDP (2020 est.) note: central government debt as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Taxes and other revenues: 12.3% (of GDP) (2020 est.) note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Current account balance: -$669.766 million (2024 est.) -$963.122 million (2023 est.) -$805.723 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports: $944.391 million (2024 est.) $867.871 million (2023 est.) $791.342 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - partners: India 92%, Italy 4%, Indonesia 1%, China 1%, Singapore 0% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exports - commodities: iron alloys, aircraft, dolomite, semi-finished iron, cement (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports: $1.513 billion (2024 est.) $1.77 billion (2023 est.) $1.581 billion (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - partners: India 82%, Singapore 8%, China 5%, Thailand 2%, Indonesia 1% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Imports - commodities: refined petroleum, gold, plastics, broadcasting equipment, iron reductions (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: $941.018 million (2024 est.) $654.481 million (2023 est.) $825.755 million (2022 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Debt - external: $2.827 billion (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Exchange rates: ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 83.669 (2024 est.) 82.599 (2023 est.) 78.604 (2022 est.) 73.918 (2021 est.) 74.1 (2020 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Energy6 fields

Electricity access: electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity: installed generating capacity: 2.344 million kW (2023 est.) consumption: 11.914 billion kWh (2023 est.) exports: 6 billion kWh (2020 est.) imports: 834.7 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 86.681 million kWh (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Electricity generation sources: hydroelectricity: 100% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Coal: production: 4,000 metric tons (2023 est.) consumption: 105,000 metric tons (2023 est.) exports: 54 metric tons (2023 est.) imports: 122,000 metric tons (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Petroleum: refined petroleum consumption: 4,000 bbl/day (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Energy consumption per capita: 64.082 million Btu/person (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Communications6 fields

Telephones - fixed lines: total subscriptions: 0 (2024 est.) no service subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 0 (2024 est.) no service; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Telephones - mobile cellular: total subscriptions: 790,000 (2024 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 100 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadcast media: state-owned TV station established in 1999; cable TV service offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 5 private radio stations are currently broadcasting (2012); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet country code: .bt; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Internet users: percent of population: 88% (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Broadband - fixed subscriptions: total: 10,000 (2023 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2023 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transportation3 fields

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix: A5; CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Airports: 4 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Heliports: 8 (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Military and Security6 fields

Military and security forces: Royal Bhutan Army (RBA; includes Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan, or RBG, and an air wing); National Militia Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs: Royal Bhutan Police (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military and security service personnel strengths: estimated 7-8,000 active Royal Bhutan Army (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions: the Royal Bhutan Army is lightly armed; it has a small amount of heavy equipment, such as armored cars and helicopters, originating from the former Soviet Union, India, and Thailand (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military service age and obligation: 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women; militia training is compulsory for men aged 20-25 over a 3-year period (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military deployments: 180 Central African Republic (MINUSCA) (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source
Military - note: the Army is responsible for external threats but also has some internal security functions such as conducting counterinsurgency operations, guarding forests, and providing security for prominent persons; Bhutan's closest security partner is India; under the 2007 India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, both countries agreed to cooperate closely on issues relating to their national interests (2025); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

Transnational Issues1 fields

Refugees and internally displaced persons: IDPs: 138 (2024 est.); CIA World Factbook historical record · as of 2026-01-20 · source

The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.

Bhutan at a glance

Bhutan through time

Admitted to the United Nations

Changes since the final CIA profile

People, economy, and access

Maintained profile