People Language and Race
Bhutan has quiet a few numbers of Ethnic Groups and no one can claim a majority. Broadly, Bhutanese people can be categorized broadly into three groups: Ngalongs, Sarchops and Lhotshampas. There are also a few other races found in Bhutan. Bhutanese are traditionally friendly and fun loving in nature.
Ngalongs
Ngalongs (meaning "Earliest Risen") inhabit the western and northern parts of Bhutan. These are people of Tibetan Origin who migrated to Bhutan in ninth century. Their language Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan.
Sarchops
Sarchops (meaning "Easterner") inhabit the Eastern Region of Bhutan. Their population is mixed of Tibetan and Southeast Asian descent. Tshangla (Tibeto-Burman Language) is the language spoken by most of the Sarchops.
Lhotshampas
Lhotshampas (meaning "Southerners") inhabit Southern Bhutan. These are people mostly of Nepalese Origin. Their main festival includes Dashain and Tihar. They are mainly familiar with Nepalese which is the most common language in Southern Bhutan.
Others Races
Apart from the above, host of small indigenous tribal people are found scattered in small villages across Bhutan. These include Brokpa, Lepcha and Doya Tribes. Other inhabitants include Milo and Monpas.
Language
The national language of Bhutan is "Dzongkha". Dzongkha means the language spoken in the Dzongs. Dzongkha was an oral language till 1971 and was spoke mostly by people of Ngalongs Group. It was declared Official Language in 1971. Prior to 1971, the official written language was Chhoekey. It is mandatory for all Schools in Bhutan to teach Dzongkha. Besides Dzongkha, several other dialects such as Bumthap Kha, Kheng Kha, Sarchop Kha, lhotshamkha, etc are also spoken. English is also widely spoken among the younger generations and the educated lots.
