Language
Dzongkha, which is widely spoken in western region, is the national language of Bhutan. Whereas Tshangla, popularly known as Sharchop-kha, is spoken in the eastern region of the country, people of the Nepalese origin in the southern Bhutan speak Nepali, popularly known as Lhotsham-kha. There also other major and minor dialects spoken in Bhutan: Bumthangkha, Mangdepkha, Khengkha, Kurtoep, Kurmey, Zalakha, Moenkha, Brokpai-kha, Gondukha, Taba-dromtoep, Lepcha, etc.
English is the medium of instruction in secular schools and institutes and is widely used in the officialdom besides Dzongkha. However, Choekey – a classical Dzongkha, is used in traditional and monastic schools.

Religion
The state religion of Bhutan is the Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric form. Bhutan is the only country in the world to have adopted Mahayana in its Tantric form as the official religion. History records that certain valleys of Bhutan were converted to Tantric Buddhism in the eighth century. However, the second conversion took place in the twelveth century, encompassing the whole country. Today there are two main schools of tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism being practiced in Bhutan – the Drukpa sect of Kargyud and Nyingma, with Peling and Terser being further denominations of Nyingma School. Although the Drukpa sect of the Kargyud school of Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism is supported by the state, the school’s practice encompasses many of the important practices from the Nyingma School as well.

Ever since its introduction in the eighth century, Buddhism has shaped the nation’s history and played a vital part in the life of the Bhutanese people. Throughout Bhutan, from the most densely populated fertile valleys to the most remote mountain hamlets and way-stops, religious monuments and symbols stand witness to a profound and respected Buddhist faith. One comes across prayer flags and prayer wheels, the sacred mantra Om Mani Padme Hung carved on the slabs of stone and rocky hillsides.
Besides prayer flags, Chortens (Stupas), which house the sacred relics, dot the landscape across Bhutan. Goenpas (Monasteries) and Lhakhangs (Temples), some dating back to as early as seventh century, are the focal point of each village or a group of villages.