Rank #23 by World Population
🇧🇹Bhutan
Bhutan has a population of 786,385, ranking #23 in the world. The capital is Thimphu. Located in South Asia.
World Bank: Lower middle income
786,385
Population
#23
World Rank
73.0
Life Expectancy
$3,831
GDP Per Capita
Bhutan, #23 by world population
Bhutan Population History (1960-2024)
The country of Bhutan had a population of 224,084 in 1960 and 791,524 in 2024, a 3.5× growth over 64 years. The peak was 791,524 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.00%.
791,524
Population (2024)
224,084
Population (1960)
791,524
Peak (2024)
2.00%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 224,084 |
| 1961 | 230,602 |
| 1962 | 237,636 |
| 1963 | 245,156 |
| 1964 | 252,987 |
| 1965 | 261,200 |
| 1966 | 269,820 |
| 1967 | 278,852 |
| 1968 | 288,311 |
| 1969 | 298,214 |
| 1970 | 308,528 |
| 1971 | 319,211 |
| 1972 | 330,264 |
| 1973 | 341,705 |
| 1974 | 353,538 |
| 1975 | 365,791 |
| 1976 | 378,490 |
| 1977 | 391,639 |
| 1978 | 405,243 |
| 1979 | 419,200 |
| 1980 | 433,404 |
| 1981 | 447,836 |
| 1982 | 462,485 |
| 1983 | 477,460 |
| 1984 | 492,784 |
| 1985 | 508,392 |
| 1986 | 524,324 |
| 1987 | 540,557 |
| 1988 | 556,986 |
| 1989 | 573,586 |
| 1990 | 589,287 |
| 1991 | 599,784 |
| 1992 | 577,774 |
| 1993 | 554,673 |
| 1994 | 554,497 |
| 1995 | 547,989 |
| 1996 | 548,784 |
| 1997 | 558,697 |
| 1998 | 569,435 |
| 1999 | 582,579 |
| 2000 | 596,863 |
| 2001 | 610,794 |
| 2002 | 624,409 |
| 2003 | 637,663 |
| 2004 | 650,544 |
| 2005 | 661,865 |
| 2006 | 670,799 |
| 2007 | 678,641 |
| 2008 | 686,351 |
| 2009 | 693,988 |
| 2010 | 701,632 |
| 2011 | 709,377 |
| 2012 | 717,279 |
| 2013 | 725,273 |
| 2014 | 733,139 |
| 2015 | 740,618 |
| 2016 | 747,866 |
| 2017 | 754,335 |
| 2018 | 759,759 |
| 2019 | 764,824 |
| 2020 | 770,006 |
| 2021 | 775,442 |
| 2022 | 780,914 |
| 2023 | 786,385 |
| 2024 | 791,524 |
Demographics
| Population | 786,385 |
| Population Growth Rate | 0.70% |
| Urban Population | 41.7% |
| Fertility Rate | 1.46 births/woman |
| Life Expectancy | 73.0 years |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 14.3 per 1,000 |
| Literacy Rate | - |
Economy & Trade
$3,831
GDP Per Capita
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Lower middle income
Income Level
28.5
Gini Index (inequality)
81.7%
Trade (% of GDP)
29,799.999
Tourism Arrivals
Health & Education
4.4%
Health Expenditure (% GDP)
0.55
Physicians per 1,000
5.8%
Education Expenditure (% GDP)
14.3
Infant Mortality (per 1,000)
Development & Connectivity
100.0%
Electricity Access
88.4%
Internet Users
100
Mobile Subs per 100
20.6
People per km2
291
Net Migration
Environment
71.6%
Forest Area
Bhutan Climate
Bhutan has an average annual temperature of 9.2°C (49°F) and receives about 871 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.2°C
Avg Temp
871
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 8 mm |
| February | 3° / 38° | 16 mm |
| March | 6° / 44° | 28 mm |
| April | 9° / 48° | 61 mm |
| May | 12° / 54° | 66 mm |
| June | 14° / 58° | 126 mm |
| July | 15° / 60° | 199 mm |
| August | 15° / 59° | 185 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 116 mm |
| October | 10° / 51° | 52 mm |
| November | 6° / 43° | 8 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 6 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bhutan
The most comfortable months to visit Bhutan are typically May, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 20°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
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Other Countries in South Asia
Compare Bhutan
Bhutan in global context
Bhutan is one of 212 countries tracked. See how it ranks globally, regional shares of world population, and projections to 2050 / 2100.
World Population 2026: Top 10 Countries, Regions & Trends →Other related entities
Country rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan has a population of 786,385, ranking #23 in the world. The annual population growth rate is 0.70%.
Life expectancy in Bhutan is 73.0 years. The infant mortality rate is 14.3 per 1,000 live births.
Bhutan's GDP per capita is $3,831. It is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank.
41.7% of Bhutan's population lives in urban areas. The overall population density is 20.6 people per square kilometer.
Literacy data for Bhutan is available from the World Bank.
The most comfortable months to visit Bhutan are typically May, June and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low, based on 1970–2000 climate normals.
Bhutan has an average annual temperature of 9.2°C and about 871 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is typically July and the coldest is January.
International data from the World Bank Open Data API. Population figures are latest available estimates. GDP per capita in current US dollars.
With 786,385 residents, Bhutan is a country in South Asia. Population growth is modest, around 0.7% a year.
Bhutan is a lower-income economy, with GDP per capita of about $3,831. Life expectancy is 73.0 years, with a fertility rate of 1.5 births per woman, and 41.7% of the population lives in urban areas.
Source: World Bank Open Data, 2026.