In 1865, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding some border land to British India. Under British influence, a monarchy was set up in 1907; three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. This role was assumed by independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned the areas of Bhutan annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. A refugee issue of over 100000 Bhutanese in Nepal remains unresolved; 90% of the refugees are housed in seven United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) camps. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which would introduce major democratic reforms - and pledged to hold a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne to his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK, in order to give him experience as head of state before the democratic transition. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty to allow Bhutan greater autonomy in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate policy decisions in this area with New Delhi. In July 2007, seven ministers of Bhutan's ten-member cabinet resigned to join the political process, and the cabinet acted as a caretaker regime until democratic elections for seats to the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008. The king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008.
Bovenstaande gegevens zijn gedeeltelijk ontleend aan het CIA World Factbook 2006.
| 2008-04-09 | | Lyonpo Jigme Thinley is appointed and installed as prime minister. On the same day his cabinet is announced including Lyonpo Ugyen Tshering as foreign minister, Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu as finance minister, and Lyonpo Minjur Dorji as home affairs minister. |
| 2008-03-24 | | In parliamentary elections, the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party wins 67% of the vote (44 of 47 seats) and the People's Democratic Party 33% (3). Turnout is 79.4%. |
| 2007-07-26 | | Prime Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk resigns. Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji is to take over at the end of July. |
| 2006-12-14 | | King Jigme Singye Wangchuk steps down and Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk becomes king. |
| 2006-09-07 | | Foreign Minister Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk takes office as prime minister. |
Bron: www.rulers.org
Op bovenstaande tekst is een disclaimer van toepassing.
