Thimphu is the most populous district and city in Bhutan. As of the last major census in 2017, the district population was approximately 138,736, with over 114,000 residing within the Thimphu Thromde (urban municipality).
The city has seen rapid population growth over the past two decades due to rural-to-urban migration, as young people flock to the capital for education, employment, and modern amenities. This has resulted in a disproportionately young demographic. The population is predominantly composed of the Ngalop ethnic group, though Thimphu's status as a capital means it is a melting pot of Bhutan's various ethnicities, including Sharchops and Lhotshampas.
Buddhism is the dominant religion, deeply woven into the daily life of the residents. Dzongkha is the official and most widely spoken language, though English is highly prevalent and serves as the medium of instruction in schools.