Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom between India and China, is home to a diverse tapestry of ethnic groups. With a population of just over 800,000, the country boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by the interactions and influences of various communities over centuries.
This article will explore Bhutan's ethnicity, introducing 12 distinct groups contributing to the nation's unique identity.
Major Ethnic Groups
The major ethnic groups in Bhutan are the primary ethnic communities that significantly shape the country's demographic, cultural, and political landscape. They are classified according to population size and the historical presence of these groups within Bhutan.
1. Ngalop (Bhote)
The Ngalop, also known as the Bhote and Bhutia, are the largest ethnic group in Bhutan, comprising around 50% of the population.
They are of Tibetan origin and have inhabited the northern and western Bhutan regions since the 9th century. The Ngalop introduced Tibetan culture, language, and Buddhism to Bhutan, and they have traditionally held significant political and cultural power.
2. Sharchop
The Sharchop, meaning "easterners," are the second-largest ethnic group in Bhutan. They are believed to be the country's earliest inhabitants and are of mixed Tibetan, South Asian, and Southeast Asian descent.
The Sharchop primarily reside in the eastern districts of Bhutan and have been largely assimilated into the Tibetan-Ngalop culture over time.
3. Lhotshampa
The Lhotshampa have lived in southern Bhutan since the late 19th century. They constitute around 35% of the country's population and have traditionally been involved in sedentary agriculture.
The Lhotshampa ethnic group, a heterogeneous group of mostly Nepali descent living in southern Bhutan, were targeted by the government in the 1980s and 1990s and designated as illegal immigrants or Bhutanese refugees.
The expelled Lhotshampas fled to Nepal, where they were placed in refugee camps. Many have resettled in Western countries, while others remain in the camps.
Indigenous And Tribal Groups
Indigenous and tribal groups in Bhutan refer to the smaller ethnic communities that historically inhabited the region.
These groups often have distinct cultural, linguistic, and social practices. They are part of Bhutan's diverse ethnic tapestry and contribute to the country's rich cultural heritage.
4. Brokpa
The Brokpa are a small indigenous group inhabiting eastern Bhutan's high-altitude regions. They are believed to have migrated from Tibet and maintained a unique lifestyle centered around pastoralism and the cultivation of hardy crops.
The Brokpa have rich cultural traditions, including unique festivals like the Losar (New Year) celebration, during which they perform the Yak Dance, symbolizing their deep connection to yak herding. Their social structure is largely communal, with strong ties to family and kinship.
5. Monpa
The Monpa, also known as the Menba, are considered to be among Bhutan's earliest inhabitants. They are closely related to the Sharchop and have traditionally lived in the country's central and eastern regions.
The Monpa society is organized around extended families, strongly emphasizing community cooperation. They celebrate various festivals, including the Monpa New Year, which features traditional dances and religious ceremonies.
6. Doya
They are found mainly in the low valleys of Dorokha Gewog and near Phuntsholing in the Duars region of southern Bhutan. The Doya are related to the Lepcha people and have a unique dialect called Lhokpu. They also have a distinct style of dress that resembles the Lepcha.
Their population was around 2,500 in 1993, but more recent estimates put their numbers at around 2,200. Along with the Monpa, the Doya are also regarded as one of the original settlers of central Bhutan, having migrated there over the centuries from their ancestral lands.
7. Lepcha
The Lepcha are an indigenous group also found in the Indian state of Sikkim and parts of Nepal. In Bhutan, they have a significant presence in the eastern regions, particularly in the Dzongu area of Sikkim and parts of northern Bhutan.
The Lepcha speak their language and are part of the Sino-Tibetan language family. They have a rich oral tradition, with folklore and songs that convey their history and cultural values. The Lepcha practice a form of animism alongside Buddhism, which influences their rituals and festivals.
8. Kheng
The Kheng are a subgroup of the Ngalop who inhabit central Bhutan, particularly the Kheng region of Zhemgang and Trongsa districts.
Their distinct dialect and cultural traditions set them apart from the broader Ngalop community. They are known for their unique traditional clothing and customs.
The Kheng primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating rice, maize, and other crops. They also practice animal husbandry, raising livestock for subsistence.
9. Rai
The Rai are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group that originated in eastern Nepal. They have a significant presence in eastern Bhutan and are known for their animistic religion and unique cultural practices.
Traditionally, the Rai engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as rice, millet, and maize. They also practice animal husbandry and are known for their skills in handicrafts. The Rai community is organized around clans with strong kinship ties.
10. Gurung
The Gurung are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group that also exists in Nepal and parts of India. In Bhutan, they are present in the western regions, particularly in the Paro and Thimphu districts.
The Gurung are known for their rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and festivals. They practice a form of Buddhism that incorporates elements of animism.
Traditionally, the group engages in agriculture, cultivating rice, maize, and millet. They are also known for their skills in animal husbandry and handicrafts.
11. Tamang
The Tamang are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group that originated in central Nepal. They have a significant presence in eastern Bhutan, particularly in the Trashiyangtse and Mongar districts.
The Tamang are known for their Buddhist faith, which influences their rituals and festivals. They celebrate traditional festivals, including Losar (New Year) and Bunga Dya Jatra.
The Tamang community is organized around extended families, strongly emphasizing communal cooperation.
12. Newar
The Newar are an ethnic group that originated in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. They are present in Bhutan's urban centers, particularly in Thimphu and Phuntsholing.
The Newars are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional music, dance, and festivals. They practice a form of Buddhism that incorporates elements of Hinduism.
The Newar are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and have significantly contributed to Bhutan's economy through trade and commerce. They engage in various professions, including business, crafts, and agriculture.
Cultural Homogenization And Challenges
Despite the rich diversity of ethnic groups in Bhutan, the country has faced challenges in maintaining a balance between cultural preservation and national unity.
Today, Bhutan continues to grapple with the challenges of preserving its unique cultural heritage while fostering a sense of national identity for Bhutanese citizens. The country's commitment to environmental conservation and the promotion of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as an alternative to GDP has helped to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity.
However, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that the rights and cultural practices of minority ethnic groups are respected and protected within the broader framework of Bhutanese society.
Conclusion On Ethnic Groups Of Bhutan
Bhutan's ethnic diversity is a testament to its people's resilience and adaptability. From the Ngalop and Sharchop, who have shaped the country's history, to the Indigenous and tribal groups maintaining their unique identities, each ethnic group contributes to the rich Bhutanese culture.
As the country continues to evolve and modernize, the rights and cultural practices of all ethnic groups must be respected and protected.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ethnic Groups In Bhutan
What Are The Race Demographics Of Bhutan?
The main ethnic groups and their approximate percentages are Ngalop (50%), Sharchop (35%), Lhotshampa (35%), and Indigenous/tribal groups (15%). The Ngalop and Sharchop, collectively known as the Drukpa, makeup 65-72% of the population.
Is Bhutan Ethnically Chinese?
No, Bhutan is not ethnically Chinese. The majority of Bhutanese belong to the Ngalop, Sharchop, and Lhotshampa ethnic groups, which are distinct from Chinese ethnicities.
Are Bhutanese Mongolian Races?
The Ngalop and Sharchop ethnic groups have some Mongolian ancestry, but Bhutanese are ethnically diverse and have South Asian and Southeast Asian influences. The Lhotshampa are of Nepali descent.
Is Bhutan Islamic?
No, Bhutan is not an Islamic country. Most Bhutanese practice Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly the Drukpa Lineage and Nyingma schools. Hinduism is also practiced by the Lhotshampa minority.
Are Bhutanese Ethnically Tibetan?
The Ngalop ethnic group is of Tibetan descent and practices Tibetan Buddhism, but Bhutan has several other ethnic groups, like the Sharchop and Lhotshampa, who are not ethnically Tibetan.
