Visit Bhutan - 2008, 100 Years of Monarchy
In 2008, Bhutan will celebrate a 100 years of Monarchy. Every Bhutanese will wholeheartedly embrace the event as a gesture of their gratitude to a leadership that has shaped and molded Bhutan to its present glory. Special Tourist packages and activities running through the year offer a unique opportunity to see a nation in jubilation. The centenary offers guests a once-in-a- life time opportunity to witness and partake in the nation-wide year-long celebrations.
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First King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk(1861-1926)
He founded the monarchy in Bhutan(1907),a historic assembly of the Clergy, the Official Administration, and the people unanimously elected Sir Ugyen Wangchuk as first Heriditary King of Bhutan. Sir Ugyen Wangchuck had defeated his political enemies and united the country following several civil wars and rebellions in 1882-1885. |
Second King Jigme Wangchuk (1902/1906 – March 30, 1952).
Under his reign, Bhutan continued to maintain almost complete isolation from the outside world, with the United Kingdom, then the colonial power in India responsible for foreign affairs. This responsibility was transferred to India in 1949, shortly after that country gained independence.He was succeeded by his son, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. |
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Third KingJigme Dorji Wangchuk (May 2, 1929 – July 15/21, 1972)
He is known as the "Father of the Modern Bhutan", initiated planned Development and led the country into the Global arena with memberships in the United Nations and other International Organizations. |
Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk (November 11, 1955 ..)
He became the youngest Monarch in the world. In the short span of four decades of his rule, Bhutan has leapt from the Medieval to the one of the fastest developing nations of the new millennium. |
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5th King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk(February 21, 1980)
On December 17 2005 His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuk announced that from 2008 he will abdicate the throne to the Crown Prince of Bhutan. |
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