Bhutanese People and Economy

Bhutan’s population is, in many ways, one large family. More than 70 per cent of the people live on subsistence farming, scattered in sparsely populated villages across the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. With rice as the staple diet in the lower regions, and wheat, buckwheat, and maize in other valleys, the people farm narrow terraces cut into the steep hill slopes.

Bhutanese communities settled in the valleys with limited communication in the past. It is for this reason that the sense of individuality and independence emerges as a strong characteristic of the people.

It is for the same reason that, despite the small population, it has developed a number of languages and dialects. The Bhutanese are, by nature, physically strong and fiercely independent with an open and ready sense of humour. Hospitality is an in-built social value in Bhutan.

Economy

Agriculture and livestock raising are the mainstay of the economy. They contribute about 45% to the GNP. Agriculture is still the main source of livelihood for about 89 % of people living in the rural areas of Bhutan. About 62% of women have involved in agriculture and their contribution is substantial. The farms are mostly narrow pieces of land cut into terraces on hill slopes. Forestry contributes 15 % to the Gross National Product (GNP) and industry and mining 10%.