Islam in Bhutan is nearly non-existent, making it one of the world’s countries with the smallest Muslim presence.
Overview:
- Muslim Population: Estimated to be very few individuals, possibly fewer than 100 people in the entire country (out of a population of about 780,000).
- Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country, with Vajrayana Buddhism being the state religion practiced by around 75% of the population.
- Hinduism is the second-largest religion, practiced mainly by the ethnic Lhotshampa (Nepali-origin population).
Islam’s Presence:
- There are no known mosques or Islamic centers in Bhutan.
- The few Muslims in Bhutan are mostly foreign workers, diplomats, or traders from nearby countries like India or Bangladesh.
- Bhutan’s constitution grants freedom of religion, but religious practice by minorities (including Muslims) is not widely visible or organized.
Social & Legal Environment:
- Bhutan’s government promotes a strong sense of national cultural identity based on Buddhism.
- The country follows a policy of preserving its traditions, which means religious minorities practice their faith very discreetly.
- There is no official restriction on Muslims practicing their faith privately, but public Islamic activities (like building mosques or public prayer gatherings) are practically non-existent.
Challenges:
- No Islamic infrastructure (no mosques, halal food markets, Islamic schools).
- The Muslim presence is so small that community activities are absent.
- Any Islamic religious practice is likely conducted privately or abroad (in neighboring India, for example).
Interesting Note:
Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world — along with places like North Korea — where there is no official mosque or recognized Islamic institution.
Bhutan
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .bt
Country Code: +975