In 2026, Bhutan's population is projected at 802,214. That is a 5-fold increase on the 169,982 recorded in 1950. It is growing modestly, at 0.70% a year, adding about 5.6K people a year. With only 21 people/km², it is one of the world's more sparsely settled countries. Half the population is younger than 31.0 years, and the age structure is steadily tilting older: the median is projected to reach 42.2 by 2050. Men outnumber women in the population, at 114 males per 100 females. By 2100, UN projections see it falling to 690,432 (-14% from 2026).
Total population
802,214
Density
21 people/km²
Median age
31.0 years
Growth rate
+0.70%
Bhutan's population continues to grow, though at a moderate pace. The sex ratio of 114 males per 100 females is notably higher than the global average of ~101. The population is aging rapidly; median age will rise from 31 in 2026 to 42 by 2050. Population density is low at 21 people per km².