Urban Population: Bhutan
Bhutan's urban population is currently 42.6% as of 2024. # Bhutan Urban Population Bhutan's urban population reached 42.
Current (2024)
42.6%
+2.0% y/y
Peak (2024)
42.6%
Low (1960)
2.5%
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1960–2024 · 65 pts
Urban Population — Bhutan
1960 — 2024
Urban Population — Bhutan
Analysis# Bhutan Urban Population
Bhutan's urban population reached 42.565% in 2024, marking the highest level in recorded history. This represents a dramatic shift from 1960, when only 2.483% of the population lived in urban areas—a staggering 1,614.3% increase over six decades. Despite rapid urbanization, Bhutan remains less than half urban, reflecting its continued focus on rural and agricultural traditions.
The period from 2015 to 2024 shows consistent annual growth, with urban population climbing from 36.698% to 42.565%. This steady upward trajectory suggests accelerating urbanization driven by economic development, infrastructure improvements, and migration to Thimphu and other urban centers. If current trends persist, Bhutan will likely cross the 50% urban threshold within the next five to seven years, marking a fundamental demographic transition for the nation.
Historical Data
65 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 42.6% | +1.99% |
| 2023 | 41.7% | +1.95% |
| 2022 | 40.9% | +1.56% |
| 2021 | 40.3% | +1.56% |
| 2020 | 39.7% | +1.57% |
| 2019 | 39.1% | +1.58% |
| 2018 | 38.5% | +1.59% |
| 2017 | 37.9% | +1.58% |
| 2016 | 37.3% | +1.57% |
| 2015 | 36.7% | +1.56% |
| 2014 | 36.1% | +1.57% |
| 2013 | 35.6% | +1.58% |
| 2012 | 35.0% | +1.61% |
| 2011 | 34.5% | +1.65% |
| 2010 | 33.9% | +1.69% |
| 2009 | 33.3% | +1.76% |
| 2008 | 32.8% | +1.83% |
| 2007 | 32.2% | +1.93% |
| 2006 | 31.6% | +2.03% |
| 2005 | 30.9% | +2.14% |
Show all 65 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 30.3% | +2.22% |
| 2003 | 29.6% | +2.31% |
| 2002 | 29.0% | +2.40% |
| 2001 | 28.3% | +2.50% |
| 2000 | 27.6% | +2.61% |
| 1999 | 26.9% | +2.72% |
| 1998 | 26.2% | +2.83% |
| 1997 | 25.5% | +2.94% |
| 1996 | 24.7% | +3.07% |
| 1995 | 24.0% | +3.20% |
| 1994 | 23.3% | +3.34% |
| 1993 | 22.5% | +3.49% |
| 1992 | 21.7% | +3.65% |
| 1991 | 21.0% | +3.82% |
| 1990 | 20.2% | +4.01% |
| 1989 | 19.4% | +4.20% |
| 1988 | 18.6% | +4.41% |
| 1987 | 17.9% | +4.64% |
| 1986 | 17.1% | +4.90% |
| 1985 | 16.3% | +5.17% |
| 1984 | 15.5% | +5.48% |
| 1983 | 14.7% | +5.82% |
| 1982 | 13.9% | +6.20% |
| 1981 | 13.0% | +7.22% |
| 1980 | 12.2% | +8.91% |
| 1979 | 11.2% | +10.63% |
| 1978 | 10.1% | +12.40% |
| 1977 | 9.0% | +14.21% |
| 1976 | 7.9% | +16.00% |
| 1975 | 6.8% | +17.60% |
| 1974 | 5.8% | +18.69% |
| 1973 | 4.9% | +18.66% |
| 1972 | 4.1% | +16.60% |
| 1971 | 3.5% | +11.00% |
| 1970 | 3.2% | +5.22% |
| 1969 | 3.0% | +3.23% |
| 1968 | 2.9% | +2.79% |
| 1967 | 2.8% | +2.46% |
| 1966 | 2.8% | +2.14% |
| 1965 | 2.7% | +1.92% |
| 1964 | 2.7% | +1.76% |
| 1963 | 2.6% | +1.63% |
| 1962 | 2.6% | +1.66% |
| 1961 | 2.5% | +1.77% |
| 1960 | 2.5% | — |
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