"In the womb of a strong and peaceful monarchy, we have begun to nurture the hopes of a vibrant democracy," the young king said in a recent speech. "It is this endeavor that we must henceforth uphold as our greatest priority: the success of democracy." Read more.Democracy Comes to Isolated Kingdom
Five generations of royal rule have molded Bhutan into an island of Himalayan idiosyncrasy, a tiny country sandwiched between India and China...
"The age of monarchs is ending, and power should be yours."
The command came from the king, as commands normally do in a nation where royalty has ruled for a century. But when the Precious Ruler of the Dragon People spoke that day, he stunned this deeply isolated corner of the Himalayas... -Tim Sullivan reports...
"Across one border, protests and Chinese crackdowns wrack Tibet... The regional turmoil was, in part, what motivated Bhutan's king to embrace democracy. Why wait, he asked his subjects, for a time when trouble pushes the kingdom into a political corner? Read more.
"Gross National Happiness", the overarching political philosophy which seeks to balance material progress with spiritual well-being...A Philosophy from King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 52, the gentle-spoken, much-loved monarch who gradually opened Bhutan to the outside world... And in 2006, handed the throne to his son, King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, now 28...
We wish you continued happiness, and prosperity...
