Department of Civil Registration and Census

What secrets do names hold? At the Department of Civil Registration and Census in Thimphu, names whisper stories of generations. This unassuming building on Chophel Lam in Kawajangsa holds the key to Bhutan’s identity. The Department of Civil Registration and Census is more than just a repository of names and numbers. It’s the keeper of Bhutan’s collective memory, a chronicle of lives lived and legacies forged. The department’s roots stretch back to 1974. It began as the Foreigners Registration Office, tasked with documenting the presence of non-Bhutanese individuals. Over the years, the department evolved, mirroring Bhutan’s own journey. It shifted from registering foreigners to registering its own citizens, recognizing the vital need for a comprehensive population registry. The office underwent a series of name changes, reflecting its expanding role. From the Registration Department in 1976 to the Department of Immigration and Census in 1987, each iteration marked a step towards its current form. In 1990, it was integrated into the Home Secretariat as the Registration Division. This period laid the groundwork for its eventual separation and elevation to the Department of Civil Registration and Census in 2004. Today, the Department of Civil Registration and Census is responsible for issuing Citizenship Identity Cards. It also undertakes the crucial task of conducting the census, adhering to the guidelines of the Citizenship Acts and Census Handbook of 1993. This institution meticulously documents births, deaths, marriages, and other vital events. It paints a dynamic picture of Bhutan’s demographics, a tapestry woven with threads of tradition and change. The Department of Civil Registration and Census is the silent storyteller of Bhutan. It ensures that every Bhutanese citizen has a recognized place in the nation’s narrative.