Western Bhutan
Western Bhutan comprises of five valleys; Haa, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangduephodrang. The inhabitants of these regions are known as Ngalongs ‘The First Risen’. They speak Dzongkha, the” language of the fortress”, the national language. Haa is the highest valley (3000m and above). They grow wheat, barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. Yaks and cattle contribute to the economy. Paro and Thimphu is situated between 2200m and 2600m, here they grow rice, apple, plum, and peach orchards. Thimphu became the capital of Bhutan in 1962 and its population has tripled in the last 20 years reaching over 100,000 people approximately. Punakha and Wangdue lies at about 1300m. Rice and various vegetables are cultivated here. Punakha, the old capital, is still the winter resident for Central Monk Body, which moves to Punakha in winter and back to Thimphu in summer.
Central Bhutan
Central Bhutan comprises three districts Trongsa, Bumthang, and Zhemgang. Pele la at 3300m divides western from central Bhutan. The people of these regions speak different dialects. The people of Trongsa grow rice. The early inhabitants of the country are found in this region. The altitude of Bumthang is 2600m and it is the cradle of Buddhism in Bhutan. Buckwheat, barley, wheat, and potatoes are the main crops. The rearing of yaks and cattle is also an important part of their income. People of Zhemgang districts grow rice, wheat, corn, and millet.
Eastern Bhutan
This region is made up of the districts of Lhuntse, Mongar, Trashiyangtse, Trashigang, and Pemagatshel. Usually, these regions have lower altitudes than the rest of the central zone. The climate is warmer and the monsoon is heavier. The main crops are rice and corn and cattle are plentiful. Yak rearing is confined to the higher valleys of Merak and Sakten at more than 3000m. These valleys have very distinct cultures and ways of life. People of this region are called Sharshops, “people of the east”. They speak Sharchopkha, but dialects vary from region to region. The women are known for their cotton and Bhutanese raw silk weaving which supplements the family income.