Bhutan People

The country has about 650,000 inhabitants.  The largest ethnic group is the Drukpas (or dragon people), who generally live the northern and western part of the country.  Ethnically and culturally, they are related to Tibetans and practice a form of Buddhism that was influence by Tibet.  However, bear in mind that an early Bhutanese ruler, Ngawang Namgyal, belonged to the Drupka sect and came from Tibet to free himself from domination by the sect of the then Dalai Lama.  He later expelled the Tibetan occupiers and turned back several Tibetan invasions

 

Another ethnic group, the Sharchop, tends to live in eastern Bhutan, and probably originally came from the south, i.e. Assam or Burma.  There are also a number or small indigenous tribal groups living on mountains and valleys.

 

Other large ethnic groups are Nepalese (probably up to 28% of the population) and Tibetan refugees.  However, many Nepalese are not regarded as legal residents.  The government has been trying to expel illegal Nepalese residents and limit entry of more Tibetan refugees.

 

Most of the people engage in agriculture and raising of live-stock.

Last edited Jan 9, 09 10:33 AM. Contributors: Andrew W.

Travel Tips for People in Bhutan

1. Apurva's Tip on Thimpu
Thimpu, Western Bhutan, Bhutan
The peaceful capital city of Bhutan where progress is measured not by GDP but by a Happiness Index ... though NGO and UN workers of the more traditional sort are quite visible ... especially if you go to the expat bars ... not many independent Western tourists here as tourism is pricey by policy (with specified hotels, per day minimum, organised tours and compulsory guides) though the same rules don't apply to Indians and they can enter and travel freely without a visa (India is Bhutan's main donor and technical provider) ... but get here if you can ... the scenery is stunning and you will be moved by the simplicity of people... when an old woman with blotched red teeth (from too much chewing of the stuff almost every Bhutanese chews) smiles at you ... do visit the Tashi Chho dzong that doubles up as the royal government quarters and do try the fiery emma datshi (a dish of cheese and chillies!) ... taxis are relatively inexpensive and worth it ... and it is certainly a different sort of country altogether ...
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2. Apurva's Tip on Thimpu
Thimpu, Western Bhutan, Bhutan
The peaceful capital city of Bhutan where progress is measured not by GDP but by a Happiness Index ... though NGO and UN workers of the more traditional sort are quite visible ... especially if you go to the expat bars ... not many independent Western tourists here as tourism is pricey by policy (with specified hotels, per day minimum, organised tours and compulsory guides) though Indians have an edge in that the same rules don't apply to them and they can enter independently and travel freely, without a visa (India is Bhutan's main donor and technical provider) ... but get here if you can ... the scenery is stunning and you will be moved by the simplicity of people, when an old woman with blotched red teeth (from too much chewing of the stuff almost every Bhutanese chews) smiles at you ... do visit the Tashi Chho dzong that doubles up as the royal government quarter and do try the fiery Emma Datshi (a dish of cheese and chillies!) ... taxis are relatively inexpensive and worth it ... and it is certainly a different sort of country altogether ...
Good tip?
(0)
3. Allan's Tip on Bhutan
Bhutan
Always be respectful when travelling and meeting Bhutanese people
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