Bhutan
- Capital:
- Thimphu
- Continent:
- Asia
- Region(s):
- Southern Asia, South Central Asia
- Largest Cities:
- Thimphu, Phuntsholing, Tshongdue
- Abbreviation:
- BTN
802,214
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
802,214
As of Jan 1, 2026 - Source
Bhutan's population is projected to be 704,683 by 2097.
Historical
Switch the toggle to see projected data.
| Year ↓ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 802,214 | 0.68% | 167 |
| 2025 | 796,682 | 0.68% | 167 |
| 2020 | 770,006 | 0.68% | 166 |
| 2019 | 764,824 | 0.67% | 166 |
| 2018 | 759,759 | 0.72% | 166 |
| 2017 | 754,335 | 0.86% | 166 |
| 2015 | 740,618 | 1.09% | 165 |
| 2010 | 701,632 | 1.17% | 165 |
| 2005 | 661,865 | 2.09% | 165 |
| 2000 | 596,863 | 1.72% | 166 |
| Year ↑ | Population | Change | Pop. Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 802,214 | 0.68% | 167 |
| 2032 | 830,346 | 0.56% | 167 |
| 2037 | 851,842 | 0.51% | 167 |
| 2042 | 868,155 | 0.38% | 167 |
| 2047 | 879,456 | 0.26% | 167 |
| 2052 | 883,872 | 0.1% | 167 |
| 2057 | 881,861 | -0.05% | 167 |
| 2062 | 874,128 | -0.18% | 167 |
| 2067 | 860,404 | -0.32% | 168 |
| 2072 | 840,958 | -0.46% | 168 |
17.8K
41.1K
82.2K
141.1K
Thimphu has a metropolitan area population of 141,076, comprising 17.59%% of Bhutan's total population.
| Rank | City | 2026 Pop. ↓ | % of National Pop. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thimphu | 141,076 | 17.59% |
| 2 | Phuntsholing | 32,999 | 4.11% |
| 3 | Tshongdue | 17,835 | 2.22% |
| 4 | Samdrup Jongkhar | 11,855 | 1.48% |
| 5 | Wangdue | 10,634 | 1.33% |
| 6 | Gelaphu | 10,352 | 1.29% |
| 7 | Punakha | 9,240 | 1.15% |
| 8 | Nganglam | 8,718 | 1.09% |
| 9 | Jakar | 7,773 | 0.97% |
| 10 | Samtse | 5,707 | 0.71% |
As of 2026, Bhutan has a total population of 802,214, ranking as the 167th most populous nation in the world.
Bhutan has a net population change of approximately 16 people per day, driven by 27 births, 13 deaths, and net immigration of 2 people.
Bhutan represents 0.01% of the total global population and 0.02% of Asia's population.
Bhutan has a population density of 21.0 people per km² (approximately 54.5 per mi²), making it the 195th most densely populated country in the world.
Currently, 41.53% of the population resides in urban areas, a figure that is increasing annually.
*Rates last updated: June 16, 2026
As of 2026, the largest ethnicity in Bhutan is Ngalop (Bhote) (50%) , followed by ethnic Nepali (35%) .
As of 2026, Lamaistic Buddhist is the largest religion in Bhutan, comprising 75.3% of the population.