Bhutan Poverty Rate
Poverty headcount ratio at $2.15/day SI.POV.DDAY
Bhutan's poverty rate was -6.33% in 2025, ranked 72nd globally. Data from World Bank, covering 2003–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's poverty rate stood at -6.33% in 2025. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -6.33% by 2025. Bhutan ranked 72nd globally.
Bhutan’s poverty rate has moved from an all‑time peak of 23.10 % in 2003 to a reported –6.33 % in 2025, the lowest figure among the 72 countries tracked by the World Bank and the most recent trough in the series. The negative value reflects the World Bank’s poverty line methodology, which can produce a rate below zero when average household consumption exceeds the international poverty threshold, rather than indicating actual deprivation. Over the six‑year coverage period the indicator has fallen dramatically, outpacing peers such as Nepal (‑3.77 %) and Uzbekistan (‑7.14 %) that also report sub‑zero rates. The steep decline suggests that Bhutan’s economic growth, expanded social protection, and high per‑capita income have pushed household welfare well above the global poverty line. Continued investment in inclusive development and monitoring of consumption patterns will be crucial to sustain the downward trajectory and avoid statistical distortions that could obscure residual vulnerability.
Data & projection
| Year | Poverty Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | -6.33% | - | - |
| 2025 | -6.33% | – | #72 |
| 2022 | 0.00% | −2.60pp | #2 |
| 2017 | 2.60% | −1.00pp | #54 |
| 2012 | 3.60% | −8.40pp | #53 |
| 2007 | 12.00% | −11.10pp | #54 |
| 2003 | 23.10% | – | #55 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw poverty rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's poverty rate was -6.33% in 2025. Ranked 72nd globally.
Bhutan's poverty rate peaked at 23.10% in 2003.
The lowest poverty rate in Bhutan was -6.33% in 2025.
Bhutan ranks 72nd globally in poverty rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SI.POV.DDAY. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's poverty rate is projected to reach -6.33% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The poverty rate of Bhutan in 2025 was -6.33%. This ranks 72nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_poverty-rate,
title = {Bhutan Poverty Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/poverty-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}