Jigme Singye Wangchuck

Jigme Singye Wangchuck, (or in a pronunciation-based Romanization Jimi Singgê 'Wangchu) is the King of Bhutan. He was born November 11, 1955 and succeeded to the throne at the age of 17, in 1972, after the death of his father, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. He was formally crowned on June 2, 1974 in a coronation noted for inviting foreign dignitaries, thus signalling the end of the long isolation of the country. He is also called "Druk Gyalpo", meaning "Dragon King". He was educated in Bhutan and the UK.

Related Topics:
Bhutan - November 11 - 1955 - 1972 - Jigme Dorji Wangchuck - June 2 - 1974 - UK

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He has continued his father's policies of slow modernisation while still trying to preserve Bhutanese culture. In 1988 he instituted the policy of Driglam Namzha (Etiquette and Manners) which required all citizens to wear traditional clothing while in public and the teaching of Dzongkha (the national language) in schools. In 1998 he voluntarily reduced the scope of his absolute powers, and now formally rules with the advice of his government. In late 2003, he ordered Bhutan's first military campaign in well over a century, to roust Assamese separatists who were using Bhutanese territory to launch raids against targets in India (see History of Bhutan). Campaigns have also been launched against Nepali separatists in the south of the country.

Related Topics:
1988 - Driglam Namzha - Dzongkha - 1998 - 2003 - Assamese - Separatists - India - History of Bhutan - Nepal

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By all accounts he maintains a simple lifestyle— preferring to work in a small log cabin above the capital, Thimphu, rather than in the fortress-like palace used by his four queens (all of whom are sisters) and the National Assembly. In the West he has become noted for his stated goal of seeking to maximize "Gross National Happiness" for his country rather than "Gross National Product".

Related Topics:
Thimphu - Fortress-like palace - National Assembly - Gross National Happiness

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