Bhutan Physicians
Physicians per 1,000 people SH.MED.PHYS.ZS
Bhutan's physicians was 0.72 in 2025, ranked 87th globally. This represents a 29.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1981–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's physicians stood at 0.72 in 2025, a rise of +0.16 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 0.72 by 2025. Bhutan ranked 87th globally.
Bhutan’s physician density has risen from a low of 0.05 per 1,000 people in 1999, the all‑time trough, to 0.72 in 2025, the highest level recorded and the figure that places the kingdom at 87th position globally. This increase represents a six‑fold expansion over a 26‑year span, reflecting sustained investment in medical education and the gradual recruitment of foreign‑trained doctors. The 2025 level matches that of Cabo Verde, which also records 0.72 physicians per 1,000 population, and remains slightly below Bangladesh’s 0.78, suggesting Bhutan is closing the gap with other lower‑middle‑income nations that have pursued similar health‑system reforms. Although the growth trajectory is positive, the absolute density remains modest compared to regional averages, indicating that further scaling of domestic training capacity and incentives for rural practice will be crucial to sustain and accelerate progress.
Data & projection
| Year | Physicians | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 0.72 | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.72 | +0.16 | #87 |
| 2022 | 0.55 | −0.01 | #81 |
| 2021 | 0.56 | +0.08 | #93 |
| 2020 | 0.49 | +0.15 | #105 |
| 2019 | 0.34 | −0.09 | #111 |
| 2018 | 0.42 | +0.11 | #114 |
| 2017 | 0.31 | −0.09 | #115 |
| 2016 | 0.40 | +0.06 | #104 |
| 2015 | 0.34 | +0.01 | #99 |
| 2014 | 0.33 | +0.05 | #104 |
| 2013 | 0.28 | +0.01 | #99 |
| 2012 | 0.27 | +0.02 | #100 |
| 2008 | 0.25 | +0.04 | #105 |
| 2007 | 0.21 | +0.03 | #99 |
| 2004 | 0.18 | +0.13 | #107 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw physicians improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's physicians was 0.72 in 2025. Ranked 87th globally. This represents a 29.5% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's physicians peaked at 0.72 in 2025.
The lowest physicians in Bhutan was 0.05 in 1999.
Bhutan ranks 87th globally in physicians as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.MED.PHYS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's physicians is projected to reach 0.72 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The physicians of Bhutan in 2025 was 0.72. This ranks 87th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_physicians,
title = {Bhutan Physicians},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/physicians/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}