Bhutan Language: What Do They Speak in Bhutan?
The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha. In Dzongkha, the country is called འབྲུག་ཡུལ་. Dzongkha is used in government, education, media and everyday life across the country.
🗣️ Language at a Glance
About the Dzongkha Language
Dzongkha is the official language of Bhutan, used in government, education and daily life. In Bhutan, Dzongkha is the primary medium for government administration, the legal system, education and broadcasting. It shapes how the country communicates internally and engages with the wider world.
Language Tips for Visitors to Bhutan
The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, which may be unfamiliar to many international travellers. While English speakers can often be found in larger cities and tourist-heavy areas, it is advisable to learn a few basic phrases before your trip. Locals greatly appreciate any effort to use the local language, even if imperfect. Simple greetings, thank-yous and asking for directions in Dzongkha will go a long way. The country is officially known as འབྲུག་ཡུལ་ in Dzongkha, and the international dialling code is +975.
Frequently Asked Questions about Language in Bhutan
What language do they speak in Bhutan?
The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.
Is English spoken in Bhutan?
English is not an official language in Bhutan. The main language is Dzongkha. English may be spoken in tourist areas.
What is Bhutan called in its own language?
Bhutan is called "འབྲུག་ཡུལ་" in Dzongkha.
How many official languages does Bhutan have?
Bhutan has one official language: Dzongkha.
Do I need to speak Dzongkha to visit Bhutan?
It is not required but learning basic phrases in Dzongkha is strongly recommended and appreciated.
What is the calling code for Bhutan?
The international dialling code for Bhutan is +975.
What is the population of Bhutan?
Bhutan has a population of approximately 787K, all of whom use Dzongkha as the official language.