Bhutanese Australians

Last updated
Bhutanese Australians
Total population
12,002 (2021) [1]
Languages
Dzongkha, English
Religion
Buddhism
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Nepalese Australians [1]

Bhutanese Australians are immigrants and expatriates from the country of Bhutan and their descendants.

Contents

History

Beginning in the 1960s, a number of Bhutanese officials came to Australia to receive education or training under the Colombo Plan. [2]

Since the re-opening of Australian borders after the COVID-19 pandemic, over 12,000 Bhutanese have immigrated to Australia. These immigrants have enrolled themselves in hospitality fields such as childcare. [3] [4]

Bhutan has experienced a brain drain due to the exodus of young professionals and students from the country. [5]

Demographics

Perth has the largest Bhutanese population in Australia. As of 2022, Bhutan was the most common non-Australian country of birth for residents in the adjoining Perth suburbs of Osborne Park, Glendalough, and Wembley, with around 21 percent of Glendalough residents born in Bhutan. [6]

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References

  1. 1 2 "2021 People in Australia who were born in Bhutan, Census Country of birth QuickStats | Australian Bureau of Statistics".
  2. "Bhutan-born Community Information Summary" (PDF). Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  3. Qiu, Stella; Sharma, Gopal (28 July 2023). "Bhutan's jobs woes drive an exodus to Australia". Reuters. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  4. "Bhutanese Youth Look to Australia for a Better Life". Voice of America. 1 August 2023. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  5. Tobgay, Yedzin (19 October 2022). "The Paradox of Bhutan's Australian Dream". The Diplomat. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  6. Chang, Charis; Macleod, Ken (17 October 2022). "How multicultural is your suburb?". SBS News. Retrieved 17 February 2022.