Bhutan has a population of a little more than 700,000 of which two thirds are farmers cultivating grains and crops and rearing livestock for meat and dairy products.
Although a very small country, there are at least 19 spoken languages in Bhutan. The ruggedness of the terrain and the remoteness of its valleys, which made travel and communication challenging and difficult, led to the formation of many scattered communities speaking different languages.
Broadly, the population is categorised as Ngalong from the western region, Sharchops from the eastern region and Lhotsampas of ethnic Nepali origin in the south.
Bhutan also has several small remote communities that differ from the mainstream population. These include the Doyas in the south, the Layaps in the northwest, the Monpas of central Bhutan, and the nomads of Merak and Sakteng in the northeastern Bhutan.
Archery is the national sport and matches between villages are more of a festive social occasion than a competition.
Bhutanese also consume an enormous amount of chilies and the national dish is known as Ema Datsi, which means chili and cheese. There are several variations of national dish such as Kewa Datsi (potato cheese) and Shamu Datsi (mushroom and cheese).
Visitors in general say the Bhutanese are a good natured, friendly and fun loving people and very hospitable to visitors and guests
