People & Society

The Population

Bhutan has a population of over 600,000 which comprises of multi ethnic and multi lingual society.


The inhabitants of Lhuentse district and along the bank of Kurichu river are called Kurtotpa. The women from Khoma Valley of Lhuentse are weavers and are known for their skills in weaving the grandiose Kushithara (textiles).

Tshanglas (Sharchops)



The people who dwells in the central Bhutan are called The Bumthaps, Mangdeps and Khengpas. They speak Bumtapkha, Mangdepkha and khengkha respectively. The Bumthaps rear yaks and sheep. They also produce fabrics of wool and yak hair. The khengpas are known for the bamboo and cane craft.




The extreme northeast is inhabited by Brokpas. They are the semi nomads who live in the villages of Merak and Sakteng and thrive on rearing yaks and sheep. They speak Bro kad, the language of the Brokpas.In summer they move to the pastures in the higher lands with their yaks and sheep and in winter they return to live in their houses, normally built of stones with small ventilation to protect from the piercing cold weather.




Like the Brokpas people inhabiting the northern part of the country in the west are called Layaps. This semi nomad speaks Layapkha.

The Bhutanese society



It is wrong to touch anyone’s head or stretch your feet in public as the head is considered sacred and legs impure.


The Bhutanese people are fun loving. Dancing, singing, playing archery, stone pitching, partying, and social gatherings are common things that one sees. Visiting friends at anytime of the day without advance notice depicts the openness of Bhutanese society.