People, Society & Religion
Understanding the diverse people, social customs, and religious practices of Bhutan.
People - Ethnic Groups
Bhutanese people are categorized into three main ethnic groups:
- •Tshanglas - Eastern Bhutan
- •Ngalops - Western Bhutan
- •Lhotshampas - Southern Bhutan
- •Minority groups: Bumthaps, Khengpas (Central Bhutan), Kurtoeps (Lhuentse)
- •Brokpas & Bramis (Merak & Sakteng, Eastern Bhutan)
- •Doyas (Samtse), Monpas (Rukha, WangduePhodrang)
- •Total population: just over 700,000
Society
Bhutanese society is free of class or caste system. Slavery was abolished in the early 1950s by the Third King.
- •Relative gender equality maintained throughout history
- •Open and good-spirited society
- •Driglam Namzha - Traditional code of etiquette
- •Social activities: archery, stone pitching, traditional darts, football
The openness of Bhutanese society is shown in the tradition of visiting friends and relatives at any hour without notice, always receiving warm hospitality.
Religion
The constitution guarantees freedom of religion. While Vajrayana Buddhism is the state religion, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam are also practiced.
- •Vajrayana Buddhism is the dominant religion
- •Religious freedom guaranteed by constitution
- •Various faiths coexist peacefully