Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: May 27, 2026
Bhutan is divided into 12 Districts, or qarks, each named after their capital city. Here is a list of the 12 Districts in alphabetical order:
Bhutan is a small Himalayan country in South Asia, located between India and China. The country is divided into 20 districts, officially called dzongkhags, and those districts are further divided into gewogs and local administrative areas. Thimphu is the national capital and also the largest city in Bhutan.
Most of Bhutan is covered by mountains, deep valleys, forests, and fast-flowing rivers. The country is known for its strong Buddhist traditions, carefully protected environment, and quieter pace of life compared to many neighboring countries.
Key Facts
- National capital: Thimphu
- Total population: 787,941 (Official estimate 2024)
- Total area: 38,394 km² (14,824 sq miles)
- Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (Nu., BTN)
- Bordering countries: India, China
- Total Districts (Dzongkhags): 20
- Total Gewogs: Approximately 205
List of Districts (Dzongkhags) and Capitals of Bhutan
Total districts shown: 20 | Combined population: 787,941 | Combined area: 38,394 km²
| # | District (Dzongkhag) Name | Capital City | Region | Area (km²) | Population (Latest Census) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bumthang | Jakar | Central | 2,991 | 20,138 |
| 2 | Chhukha | Chhukha | Southwest | 1,879 | 74,387 |
| 3 | Dagana | Dagapela | South | 1,723 | 24,843 |
| 4 | Gasa | Gasa | North | 4,067 | 3,078 |
| 5 | Haa | Haa | West | 1,585 | 13,535 |
| 6 | Lhuntse | Lhuntse | Northeast | 2,853 | 16,198 |
| 7 | Mongar | Mongar | East | 1,940 | 37,150 |
| 8 | Paro | Paro | West | 1,276 | 46,615 |
| 9 | Pemagatshel | Pemagatshel | Southeast | 1,023 | 23,632 |
| 10 | Punakha | Punakha | Central West | 1,110 | 28,740 |
| 11 | Samdrup Jongkhar | Samdrup Jongkhar | Southeast | 1,803 | 35,079 |
| 12 | Samtse | Samtse | Southwest | 1,585 | 62,590 |
| 13 | Sarpang | Gelephu | South Central | 1,655 | 46,004 |
| 14 | Thimphu | Thimphu | West Central | 1,809 | 138,736 |
| 15 | Trashigang | Trashigang | East | 3,066 | 51,134 |
| 16 | Trashiyangtse | Trashiyangtse | East | 1,437 | 17,740 |
| 17 | Trongsa | Trongsa | Central | 1,807 | 15,251 |
| 18 | Tsirang | Damphu | South Central | 639 | 22,376 |
| 19 | Wangdue Phodrang | Wangdue Phodrang | Central West | 4,308 | 43,370 |
| 20 | Zhemgang | Zhemgang | Central South | 2,421 | 17,076 |
Largest Districts (Dzongkhags) by Area
- Wangdue Phodrang - 1,664 sq mi (4,308 km²)
- Gasa - 1,570 sq mi (4,067 km²)
- Trashigang - 1,184 sq mi (3,066 km²)
- Bumthang - 1,155 sq mi (2,991 km²)
- Lhuntse - 1,101 sq mi (2,853 km²)
- Zhemgang - 935 sq mi (2,421 km²)
- Mongar - 749 sq mi (1,940 km²)
- Chhukha - 725 sq mi (1,879 km²)
Most Populous Districts (Dzongkhags)
- Thimphu - Population: 138,736 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Chhukha - Population: 74,387 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Samtse - Population: 62,590 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Trashigang - Population: 51,134 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Paro - Population: 46,615 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Sarpang - Population: 46,004 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Wangdue Phodrang - Population: 43,370 (Official Estimate 2024)
- Mongar - Population: 37,150 (Official Estimate 2024)
Smallest Districts (Dzongkhags) by Area
- Tsirang - 247 sq mi (639 km²)
- Pemagatshel - 395 sq mi (1,023 km²)
- Punakha - 428 sq mi (1,110 km²)
- Paro - 493 sq mi (1,276 km²)
- Trashiyangtse - 555 sq mi (1,437 km²)
- Haa - 612 sq mi (1,585 km²)
Districts (Dzongkhags) by Regional Grouping
- North: Gasa
- West: Haa, Paro
- West Central: Thimphu
- Central West: Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang
- Central: Bumthang, Trongsa
- Central South: Zhemgang
- South: Dagana
- South Central: Sarpang, Tsirang
- Southwest: Chhukha, Samtse
- Southeast: Pemagatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar
- East: Mongar, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse
- Northeast: Lhuntse
Landlocked Districts (Dzongkhags)
- All 20 districts of Bhutan are landlocked because the country has no coastline.
Districts (Dzongkhags) with Coastline
- None - Bhutan is a landlocked country.
Districts (Dzongkhags) Sharing Borders with Other Countries
- India: Chhukha, Dagana, Haa, Pemagatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, Sarpang, Trashigang, Tsirang
- China: Bumthang, Gasa, Haa, Lhuntse, Paro, Thimphu, Trashigang, Wangdue Phodrang
Sources
- National Statistics Bureau of Bhutan
- World Bank - Bhutan Data
- CIA World Factbook - Bhutan
- Encyclopaedia Britannica - Bhutan
- United Nations Statistics Division
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