Who’s who?
1. Sharchogpa (speaking Tsanglalo): Sharchogpa meaning easterners are from the Eastern part of Bhutan and are recognized as the original inhabitant of the country. They are indo-mongoloid and is unclear where they migrated from and when they arrived in Bhutan. 2. Ngalong (speaking Dzongkha): Ngalongs are considered to be the Tibetan descendants who arrive Bhutan in the ninth century during the political instability in Tibet. These immigrants settled in the western part of the country. 3. Lhotshampa (Nepali): Nepalis started migrating into Bhutan and settled in the south during the late 19th century. Lhotshampa represents numerous Nepali-speaking ethnic groups such as the Brahman, Chettri, Gurung, Rai and Limbus. 4. Minority groups: Bumthap, Mangdip, Kurtoep, Khengpa, Layap, Brokpa and Tibetan form about 1% of the population. Many of this group comprises fewer than 5000 people. Dos & Don’ts: Bhutanese are considered quite open and liberal compare to its neighboring countries.
