Until the beginning of 20th century, Bhutan was ruled by the dual system of administration known as "chhosi" system. The chhosi system was initiated by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1651, where the highest political head of the country was called as the “Druk Desi”, and the religious head was the “je-khenpo”. The “je-khenpo” is equivalent to pope in Bhutan.
Bhutan was still ruled over by the Druk Desi until the first king of Bhutan was crowned in 1907. After the monarchy was established in 1907 , Bhutan became an absolute monarchy. Since then the Wangchuk dynasty has been ruling over the country. The Wangchuk dynasty steered the country firmly towards economic self-reliance, cultural promotion, regionally balanced development, environment preservation, and good governance. In 2005 , Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy after drafting its first constitution. The change in the political system was once again altered in 2008, when the then king, Jigme Singye Wangchuk transferred the power in the hands of the people introducing democracy in the kingdom. Two political parties contended for the first general elections in Bhutan namely People’s Democratic Party and the peace party of Bhutan (Druk phuentsum tshogpa). The first democratically elected prime minister of Bhutan was Jigme Y Thinley.
His Majesty, King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, fifth in the Wangchuk dynasty is head of the state. The head of government is the Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. The National Assembly, the Royal Advisory Council, the Judiciary, the Council of Ministers and the Sectorial Ministries are the organizations that play a crucial role in the governance of the Kingdom of Bhutan. At the district, block and village levels there are Local self-governance established to ensure people's participation in the decision-making process from the grassroots level. The National Assembly of Bhutan Established in 1953 by His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The main functions of the National Assembly are to enact laws, approve senior appointments in government and advise on all matters of national importance. It normally meets twice a year and consists of 154 members comprising 105 elected representatives of the people, 10 representatives of the clergy and 39 nominated representatives of the government.
The Royal Advisory Council was formed in 1965. It consists of nine members, six representing the people, two from clergy and one nominee of the King. The main functions of this body are to make its advice available to the King on all matters of national importance, the welfare of the people and the national interest of the Kingdom, to develop friendly and harmonious relations between the government and the people and to ensure that the laws and resolutions passed by the National assembly are faithfully implemented by the government and people. Judiciary; All the laws are codified. Minor offenses are judged by the village headmen. Above them, the District Court have both original and appellate jurisdiction. Next higher court is the High Court in Thimphu. The final appeal is made to the King who then delegates the Royal Advisory Council to investigate and ensure that the courts have dispensed justice in keeping with the laws of the country. The king has the supreme authority to alter any decisions and is the ultimate justice giver.
Council of Ministers and Central Secretariat In 1968, Bhutan took a major step in the direction of a modernized administrative system , when the National Assembly, at the request of the King, approved the formation of a Council of Ministers. The Ministers are responsible to the Cabinet which is an important decision making body, second only in importance to the National Assembly. The Cabinet is presided over by the King and consists of Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and all Royal Advisory Councilors. Today the council of ministers are the ministers of the ruling party, PDP.
Bhutan is also known to the outside world as the “Land of the thunder Dragon” or the “last Shangri-La”. Bhutan was under isolation until the 1960s ...Read More
The estimated population of the country is 7, 50,000 with the growth rate of 3.1% per year. Bhutanese economy is agrarian and almost 65% of the total...Read More
Culture is strongly integrated into the lives of Bhutanese people and are directly associated with religion. Culture in Bhutan is displayed in attire...Read More
The type of forest found in Bhutan are Upland Hardwood Forest ,Lowland Hardwood Forest, and Tropical Lowland which are a collection...Read More
Bhutanese art is religiously inspired and is mainly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist art Bhutanese have practised it for centuries and developed...Read More
The state religion of Bhutan is Buddhism. Approximately 75% of the total populations in Bhutan are followers of Buddhism. Bhutan is...Read More
Bhutanese cuisine is mostly made out of meat items and more importantly chillies. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered...Read More
Bhutan's climate is as varied as its altitude and, like most of Asia it is affected by monsoons. Western Bhutan is particularly affected by monsoons...Read More
Until the beginning of 20th century, Bhutan was ruled by the dual system of administration known as "chhosi" system. The chhosi system was initiated...Read More
Bhutan small population of just 774794 and the economy of the country is also very small. However, the per capita income stands at 2611 USD. As of 2012...Read More
Bhutan is popular today, for being the happiest country in the planet. The concept of Gross happiness is much talked about in the country...Read More
Bhutan is a landlocked country situated in the Himalayas. Bhutan shares its borders with The Republic of India in the east, west and south...Read More