People of Bhutan

The People in Bhutan

The people of Bhutan are a diverse mosaic of ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, traditions, and ways of life, yet all deeply shaped by Buddhism and the Himalayan environment. The Ngalop, settled mainly in western Bhutan, are the politically and culturally dominant group, speaking Dzongkha and practicing the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism. They set much of the country's religious and administrative traditions, and their dress—gho for men and kira for women—is widely recognized as a national symbol. In the east, the Sharchop are the region's earliest settlers, speaking Sharchopkha and maintaining strong local customs and village autonomy, while in the south, the Lhotshampa, of Nepali origin, primarily practice Hinduism and contribute significantly to Bhutan's agricultural communities, though they have faced historical marginalization.

The people of Bhutan are a diverse mosaic of ethnic groups, each with distinct languages, traditions, and ways of life, yet all deeply shaped by Buddhism and the Himalayan environment. The Ngalop, settled mainly in western Bhutan, are the politically and culturally dominant group, speaking Dzongkha and practicing the Drukpa Kagyu school of Buddhism. They set much of the country's religious and administrative traditions, and their dress—gho for men and kira for women—is widely recognized as a national symbol. In the east, the Sharchop are the region's earliest settlers, speaking Sharchopkha and maintaining strong local customs and village autonomy, while in the south, the Lhotshampa, of Nepali origin, primarily practice Hinduism and contribute significantly to Bhutan's agricultural communities, though they have faced historical marginalization.

Language

Bhutan's linguistic landscape reflects its rich ethnic diversity and historical ties with Tibet, India, and neighboring Himalayan regions. Dzongkha, the national language, is the official language of government, administration, and education. It is written in the Tibetan script and is central to the country's identity, especially in western Bhutan where the Ngalop population predominates. Most official documents, newspapers, and broadcasts are in Dzongkha, and it serves as a unifying language across Bhutan's varied communities.

Beyond Dzongkha, several regional languages flourish. Sharchopkha, spoken in eastern Bhutan by the Sharchop people, has several local dialects and remains the main language of daily life in that region. In the south, Lhotshamkha (Nepali) is spoken by the Lhotshampa community, while central valleys like Bumthang have their own local languages, such as Bumthangkha, which are related to classical Tibetan. English, introduced through the modern education system, is widely taught in schools and acts as a bridge between different linguistic communities, making it the country's practical lingua franca in education, business, and tourism. This multilingual environment highlights Bhutan's ability to balance traditional identity with modern communication needs, preserving local languages while embracing wider connectivity.

Other Minority Group

In addition to Bhutan's major ethnic groups, the country is home to several small, remote communities that preserve ancient ways of life high in the Himalayas. The Layap, living in northern Bhutan around the high mountains and valleys, are primarily nomadic yak herders. They are known for their resilience in harsh climates, living in simple stone-and-wood homes, and maintaining traditions such as wearing yak wool garments and distinctive ornaments. Similarly, the Brokpa, found in northeastern valleys, are a small pastoralist group with a unique culture and dress, often characterized by colorful woven clothing, elaborate headdresses, and intricate jewelry.

These minority groups generally speak local dialects and practice Buddhism, though their rituals and religious expressions often include pre-Buddhist animist elements, reflecting a deep connection to nature. Their festivals, ceremonies, and daily practices are distinct from those of the larger Ngalop, Sharchop, or Lhotshampa communities, offering a glimpse into Bhutan's more secluded cultural traditions. Despite their small numbers, these communities are essential custodians of Bhutan's intangible heritage, from oral storytelling and folk songs to traditional craftsmanship, making them living examples of the country's cultural richness and diversity.