Bhutan is an independent nation in Southern Asia. With the capital city of Thimphu, Bhutan 2020 population is estimated at 771,619 according to countryaah. From the 6th century, Buddhism spread with Tibetan monks in the area that is today Bhutan. Under the name Druk-Yul, a kingdom was founded in the 17th century under the Tibetan monk Ngawang Namgyal. He took the title of shabdrung and the kingdom came to exist for 300 years. In 1903, a monarchy with hereditary throne was introduced and the shabdrung was deposed. From 1910, Britain became the country’s protective power. In 1947, India took over that role.
Bhutan may have been inhabited as early as 2000–1500 BC, but there is little knowledge of the country’s early history. In the 6th century AD, monks from Tibet began to mission in the area and Buddhism then had a major influence on the development.
- AbbreviationFinder.org: Comprehensive guide to and popular abbreviations of Bhutan, covering history, economy, and social conditions.
The Tibetan monk Ngawang Namgyal united the country in the 17th century and gave the kingdom the name Druk-Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon). Under Namgyal, a two-part administration was established, with partly an administration for religious issues and one for worldly affairs. Both were subjugated to Namgyal, who took the title of shabdrung (“the man submitting himself”). This system came to exist for almost 300 years. For Bhutan political system, please check carswers.
During the late 19th century the power of the central government weakened. When the last shabdr died in 1903, clergy, officials, and the country’s most influential families agreed to establish a monarchy with an inherited succession. Ugyen Wangchuck was elected 1907 as the country’s first king.
In a 1910 agreement, Britain promised not to interfere with Bhutan’s domestic policy. In return, Bhutan would be guided by Britain in foreign policy matters. When India became independent in 1947, the country assumed the role of Bhutan’s protective power. In 1953 a legislative assembly was established.
