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Leaders
Unlike his four wives, all of whom are sisters, who use fortress-like palace, the king maintains a simple lifestyle.
Head of state: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk
Jigme Singye Wangchuk came to the throne in 1972 at the age of just 17, assuming the title of "Druk Gyalpo" or Dragon King. Keen to preserve Bhutan's unique culture, the king has continued the policy of limited modernisation adopted by his father.
Partly educated in the UK, and having travelled abroad, he gave up some of the monarch's absolute powers in 1998 and now rules in conjunction with the government, an assembly and a royal advisory council.
Unlike his four wives, all of whom are sisters, who use fortress-like palace, the king maintains a simple lifestyle.
Kings
Jigme Wangchuk 21 Aug 1926 - 24 Mar 1952 (+)
Jigme Dorji Wangchuk 24 Mar 1952 - 21 Jul 1972 (+)
Jigme Singye Wangchuk 21 Jul l972 -
Prime Ministers
Jigme Palden Dorji 1952 - 5 Apr 1964 (+)
Lhendup Dorji Jul 1964 - 27 Nov 1964 (acting)
Lyonpo Jigme Thinley 20 Jul 1998 - 9 Jul 1999
Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup 9 Jul 1999 - 20 Jul 2000
Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba 20 Jul 2000 - 8 Aug 2001
Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk 8 Aug 2001 - 14 Aug 2002
Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji 14 Aug 2002 - 30 Aug 2003
Lyonpo Jigme Thinley 30 Aug 2003 - 20 Aug 2004
Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba 20 Aug 2004 -
