Bhutan vs China
Bhutan has a population of 784K, compared to China's 1.41B. China is 1796.2 times more populous than Bhutan. China covers 9,706,961 km², 252.8 times larger than Bhutan's 38,394 km². Life expectancy in China stands at 78.0 years, 5.0 years higher than Bhutan's 73.0 years.
BhutanChina| Population | -99.9%784K | +179517.7%1.41B |
| Area | -99.6%38,394 km² | +25182.5%9,706,961 km² |
| GDP | — | $18.74T |
| GDP Per Capita | — | $13,303.148 |
| Life Expectancy | -6.4%73.0 yrs | +6.8%78.0 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | +311.1%18.5 | -75.7%4.5 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -30.1%3.2% | +43.0%4.6% |
| Capital | Thimphu | Beijing |
| Region | Asia | Asia |
| Languages | Dzongkha | Chinese |
| Currencies | BTN (Nu.), INR (₹) | CNY (¥) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
China is 1796.2 times more populous than Bhutan, with 1.41B residents compared to 784K. Bhutan is a nation of 784K people, while China is one of fewer than three countries with a population exceeding 1 billion. In terms of population density, Bhutan averages 20 people per km² (sparse), while China averages 145 people per km² (moderate). China has grown at 0.34% annually over the past decade. Population growth data is not available for Bhutan.
Economy Comparison
Bhutan is classified as a low-income economy, while China is classified as a upper-middle-income economy. China's GDP stands at $18.74T. GDP data is not available for Bhutan. Economic indicator data is not available for Bhutan. China's GDP per capita of $13,303.148 is 19% above the regional average of 11,200 for Asia.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bhutan is 73.0 years, compared to 78.0 years in China, a gap of 5.0 years. China (78.0 years) is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while Bhutan (73.0 years) is 1.0 years above the global average of 72 years. At 18.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, Bhutan's infant mortality is 311% higher than China's 4.5.
Geographic Comparison
China (9,706,961 km²) is 252.8 times larger by land area than Bhutan (38,394 km²). Bhutan shares borders with 2 countries, while China borders 16 countries. Bhutan spans 1 timezone, compared to China's 1 timezone. Both Bhutan and China are located in Asia. Both countries fall within the Asia region, though they occupy different subregions: Southern Asia and Eastern Asia.
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bhutan and China is in population: Bhutan's 784K compared to China's 1.41B represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Bhutan and China is in land area: Bhutan's 38,394 km² compared to China's 9,706,961 km² represents a 100% gap. The most significant difference between Bhutan and China is in infant mortality: Bhutan's 18.5 per 1,000 compared to China's 4.5 per 1,000 represents a 76% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bhutan's low-income economy and China's upper-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Population Density
China is 7.1x more densely populated than Bhutan (145 vs 20 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Bhutan's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of China live an average of 5.0 years longer than those of Bhutan (78.0 vs 73.0 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a moderate difference that could narrow with continued development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Bhutan or China by population?
China is larger by population, with 1.41B residents compared to Bhutan's 784K. China is 1796.2 times more populous than Bhutan.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bhutan or China?
GDP data is not available for Bhutan. Please refer to the World Bank for the most current figures.
How does life expectancy compare between Bhutan and China?
China has a higher life expectancy at 78.0 years, compared to Bhutan's 73.0 years. The gap between the two countries is 5.0 years. Bhutan's life expectancy is 1.0 years above the global average of 72 years, while China's is 6.0 years above the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bhutan or China?
China is larger by land area, covering 9,706,961 km² compared to Bhutan's 38,394 km². China is 252.8 times larger than Bhutan.
What languages are spoken in Bhutan and China?
Bhutan recognizes the following official language: Dzongkha. China recognizes: Chinese. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bhutan or China?
China has lower inflation at 0.2%, compared to Bhutan's 2.8%. China's inflation is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks, while Bhutan's rate is within the 2-3% range considered stable by most central banks.