Bhutan is located in Southern Asia, and its capital is Thimphu. It has a population of approximately 791,524 and covers an area of about 38,390 km². Its official currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN).
What stands out
People & place
20.6 /km² across 38,390 km²
Bhutan has a recorded population of 791,524 and a reported surface area of 38,390 km².
Economic snapshot
$3.01 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $3.01 billion and GDP per capita at $3,831 for 2023. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Nestled high in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a kingdom where ancient monasteries perch atop mist‑shrouded peaks and vibrant festivals pulse through bustling valleys, offering travelers a rare glimpse into a nation that balances tradition with progressive stewardship of its natural environment.
Dominated by rugged mountains, Bhutan’s terrain rises dramatically from subtropical lowlands in the south to icy alpine heights in the north, including the towering Jomolhari and the glacial‑fed Punakha and Thimphu valleys. Over 70% of the country is forested, and its numerous rivers carve deep gorges that shape both the landscape and daily life.
Bhutanese culture is a tapestry of colourful religious festivals (tshechus), intricate mask dances, and a deep reverence for Buddhism that permeates art, architecture, and daily rituals. Traditional dress—*gho* for men and *kira* for women—remains everyday wear, while the cuisine dazzles with red‑ripe chilies, cheese, and the national dish * ema datshi*, a fiery cheese‑chili stew.
In 1907, Bhutan unified under its first hereditary monarch, Ugyen Wangchuck, establishing the Wangchuck dynasty that still reigns today; this pivotal moment ushered in a period of relative stability and gradual modernization while preserving the nation’s distinct identity.
Key facts
Bhutan measures roughly 38,394 square kilometers, about the size of Switzerland.
The country gauges progress with Gross National Happiness rather than GDP.
Archery is the national sport, and each village often hosts lively competitions.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Bhutan has a recorded population of approximately 791,524 people.
How big is Bhutan?
Bhutan covers an area of about 38,390 km².
What is the population density of Bhutan?
Bhutan has a population density of roughly 20.6 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Bhutan?
Bhutan has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $3.01 billion as of 2023.
What is the GDP per capita of Bhutan?
Bhutan has a GDP per capita of approximately $3,831.
What currency is used in Bhutan?
Bhutan uses the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN), with the symbol Nu..
Where is Bhutan located?
Bhutan is located in Southern Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Bhutan?
The native name of Bhutan is ʼbrug-yul.
What are people from Bhutan called?
People from Bhutan are referred to as Bhutanese.
What is the phone calling code for Bhutan?
The international dialing code for Bhutan is +975.
What is the internet domain for Bhutan?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Bhutan is .bt.
What time zone is Bhutan in?
Bhutan uses the Asia/Thimphu time zone.
What is Bhutan known for?
Nestled high in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a kingdom where ancient monasteries perch atop mist‑shrouded peaks and vibrant festivals pulse through bustling valleys, offering travelers a rare glimpse into a nation that balances tradition with progressive stewardship of its natural environment.
Southern Asia