A look at the ethnic groups in Bhutan, including Ngalop, Sharchop, Lhotshampa, indigenous tribes, and Tibetans, and understand how culture, language, and politics shape Bhutanese society.

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Bhutan is often admired as a serene Himalayan kingdom rooted in tradition and happiness. However, beneath this peaceful image lies a rich and complex social mosaic. The Ethnic groups in Bhutan reflect centuries of migration, cultural exchange, religious diversity, and political change. Far from being a homogenous society, Bhutan is home to multiple ethnic communities, each with its own history, language, and way of life.

This long-form blog article offers a comprehensive and balanced exploration of Bhutan’s ethnic composition, helping readers understand how diversity has shaped the nation’s past and continues to influence its present.

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Understanding the Ethnic Landscape of Bhutan

The Ethnic groups in Bhutan are generally categorized into four broad groups:

1. Ngalop – Western and northern Bhutan
2. Sharchop – Eastern Bhutan
3. Lhotshampa – Southern Bhutan
4. Indigenous and tribal communities – Scattered across rural regions

In addition, Bhutan has also hosted Tibetan refugees, whose presence has influenced its modern history.

These categories are not rigid. Over time, assimilation, intermarriage, and state policies have blurred many boundaries between groups.

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The Ngalop: Political and Cultural Core of Bhutan

The Ngalop people are of Tibetan origin and are believed to have migrated to Bhutan as early as the 9th century. Their name is often interpreted as meaning “earliest risen” or “first converted.”

Language and Culture

• Speak Dzongkha, Bhutan’s national language
• Dzongkha evolved from Old Tibetan
• Traditional dress: gho (men) and kira (women)

Religion

Ngalops practice Drukpa Kagyu, a school of Tibetan Buddhism that later became Bhutan’s official state religion. Monasteries, dzongs (fortress-monasteries), and religious festivals across western Bhutan reflect this tradition.

Political Influence

The Ngalop are the most politically dominant among the Ethnic groups in Bhutan. The monarchy, senior bureaucrats, and religious authorities largely originate from this group, making Ngalop culture central to Bhutanese national identity.

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The Sharchop: Eastern Bhutan’s Indigenous Majority

The Sharchop, meaning “easterner,” primarily inhabit eastern Bhutan and are considered by many scholars to be among the earliest inhabitants of the region.

Ethnic Origins

Sharchop communities reflect a blend of:

• Tibetan
• South Asian
• Southeast Asian ancestry

They are closely related to aboriginal groups such as the Monpa, who predate Tibetan cultural influence.

Language

Most Sharchop speak Tshangla, a Tibeto-Burman language. Due to proximity to India, some also speak Assamese or Hindi.

Traditional Livelihood

Historically, Sharchop practiced tsheri (slash-and-burn) agriculture, growing dry rice for several years before moving to new land. This practice was officially banned in 1969, leading to changes in rural livelihoods.

Cultural Assimilation

Although once the largest ethnic group, Sharchops have been largely assimilated into Ngalop-dominated culture, particularly in religion, dress, and governance.

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The Lhotshampa: Southern Bhutan and Cultural Tensions

The Lhotshampa, meaning “southerners,” are mostly of Nepali origin and live in southern Bhutan. Their history represents one of the most sensitive chapters in discussions about the Ethnic groups in Bhutan.

Religion and Diversity

Lhotshampa are often labeled as Hindu, but this is an oversimplification:

• Tamang and Gurung groups are largely Buddhist
• Rai and Limbu communities practice animist traditions like Mundhum

Major festivals include Dashain and Tihar.

Economic Life

Traditionally involved in sedentary farming, some Lhotshampa also practiced tsheri agriculture. Over time, they became vital contributors to Bhutan’s agricultural economy.

Citizenship Crisis

During the 1980s and early 1990s:

• Citizenship laws tightened
• A national census questioned residency status
• Cultural policies emphasized a single national identity

As a result, over 100,000 Lhotshampa were deported or fled Bhutan, many ending up in refugee camps in Nepal.

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Indigenous and Tribal Communities of Bhutan

Beyond the major groups, Bhutan is home to several indigenous and tribal peoples living in remote villages.

Notable Groups

• Brokpa
• Lepcha
• Doya (Lhop)
• Black Mountain Monpa

Some of these communities trace their ancestry to Tibet, while others are linked to tribal populations in Assam and West Bengal.

Social Structure

Many follow Hindu-influenced systems of:

• Endogamy
• Hierarchical social organization

They practice both wet-rice and dry-rice agriculture and maintain distinct languages and customs.

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Tibetans in Bhutan: Refugees and Residency

Bhutan also hosted a significant Tibetan refugee population, especially after the 1959 Tibetan uprising.

Historical Context

• Around 10,000 Tibetans lived in Bhutan by 1987
• Many arrived fleeing political unrest
• Integration into Bhutanese society was limited

Government Policy Shift

By the late 1970s:

• Tibetans perceived as lacking allegiance were expelled
• Over 3,000 were relocated to India
• Some Tibetans who accepted residency remain in Bhutan today

Bhutan later adopted stricter refugee policies, limiting further Tibetan inflows.

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Language and Identity Across Ethnic Groups in Bhutan

Language plays a key role in defining identity among the Ethnic groups in Bhutan:

Ethnic Group	Primary Language
Ngalop	Dzongkha
Sharchop	Tshangla
Lhotshampa	Nepali
Tribal Groups	Various local languages
Tibetans	Tibetan

State promotion of Dzongkha has strengthened national unity but also contributed to linguistic marginalization.

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FAQs About Ethnic Groups in Bhutan

1. How many ethnic groups are there in Bhutan?

Bhutan has four main ethnic categories, with several sub-groups and tribal communities.

2. Which ethnic group is politically dominant in Bhutan?

The Ngalop hold the greatest political and cultural influence.

3. Are Sharchop indigenous to Bhutan?

Yes, many scholars consider Sharchop among Bhutan’s earliest inhabitants.

4. Why were Lhotshampa expelled from Bhutan?

Citizenship laws, census policies, and cultural nationalism led to mass displacement.

5. Do indigenous tribes still exist in Bhutan today?

Yes, many tribal communities continue to live in rural areas with distinct traditions.

6. Does Bhutan accept refugees now?

Bhutan maintains strict refugee policies, especially since the late 1980s.

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Diversity at the Heart of Bhutan

The Ethnic groups in Bhutan reveal a nation shaped by migration, faith, and policy. While Bhutan has succeeded in preserving a strong national culture, its ethnic diversity tells a deeper story—one that includes harmony, adaptation, and unresolved challenges.

Understanding these communities is essential for appreciating Bhutan not just as a land of happiness, but as a living society shaped by history and human experience.

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