Bhutan Population
South Asia · 165th most populous · Lower middle income
Population right now (estimate)
803,783
The population of Bhutan is about 803,783 as of 22 October 2026 (estimate), and 802 thousand for 2026 as a whole — 0.01% of the world's people.
Bhutan is ranked 165th of 217 by population. The population is still growing, by about 0.69% a year. By 2050 it is projected to reach about 882 thousand. That is 3.6 times its 1960 population of 224 thousand. Population density is 21 people per square kilometre. 43% of people live in cities (2025).
Population 2026
802 thousand
Yearly change
+0.69%
World rank
165th
Share of world
0.01%
Density
21/km²
Land area
38,140 km²
Life expectancy
73.3 yrs
Births per woman
1.45
GDP per capita
$4,493
GDP
$3.6B
Population of Bhutan, 1960–2050
Bhutan population by year
| Year | Population | Yearly change | Density (per km²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 224,084 | — | 6 |
| 1970 | 308,528 | +3.46% | 8 |
| 1980 | 433,404 | +3.39% | 11 |
| 1990 | 589,287 | +2.74% | 15 |
| 2000 | 596,863 | +2.45% | 16 |
| 2010 | 701,632 | +1.10% | 18 |
| 2020 | 770,006 | +0.68% | 20 |
| 2024 | 791,524 | +0.65% | 21 |
| 2026proj. | 802,214 | +0.69% | 21 |
| 2030proj. | 820,694 | +0.54% | 22 |
| 2040proj. | 862,129 | +0.37% | 23 |
| 2050proj. | 882,340 | +0.10% | 23 |
Bhutan vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh (178 million) has 222 times as many people as Bhutan. Bangladesh is 64.9 times more densely populated.
Bhutan population: questions and answers
What is the population of Bhutan in 2026?
About 802,214 (802 thousand), based on World Bank projections.
Is Bhutan's population growing?
Yes, by about 0.69% a year (2026).
What is the population density of Bhutan?
About 21 people per km², with a land area of 38,140 km².
What will the population of Bhutan be in 2050?
About 882 thousand on World Bank projections.
What is the capital of Bhutan?
Thimphu.
What is the life expectancy in Bhutan?
73.3 years at birth (2024).
Sources: World Bank Open Data — World Development Indicators and Population Estimates and Projections (CC BY 4.0); Wikidata (CC0). Data retrieved 2026-10-22. Live figures are mathematical estimates interpolated between the World Bank's mid-year values, not real-time counts.