Population & Geography
Bhutan has a population of 754,394 spread across 38,394 km², giving it an average density of 19.6 people per km². With such low density, expect wide open spaces and a sense of remoteness outside major cities.
Population Density Map
Demographics
Population Trends
How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.
Economy & Cost of Living
Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Bhutan is classified as a lower middle income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 24% of US levels, meaning your money goes significantly further here: accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable by Western standards.
Tourism
Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 10.7% of Bhutan's total exports, making it a significant contributor to the economy with solid visitor infrastructure.
Health & Safety Infrastructure
Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available In Bhutan there are 0.55 doctors per 1,000 people, below the global average. Good travel insurance with medical coverage is advisable.
Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure
Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Bhutan, 88% of the population uses the internet, so expect WiFi in most hotels, cafes and public spaces. There are 96 mobile subscriptions per 100 people.
Source: World Bank Open Data