Jigme Singye Wangchuk, or in a pronunciation-based Romanization Jimi Singgê 'Wangchu (born November 11, 1955) is the king of Bhutan. He succeeded to the throne at the age of 17, in 1972, after the death of his father, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (Jimi Dôji 'Wangchu). He was formally crowned on June 2, 1974. He is also called "Druk Gyalpo", meaning "Dragon King". He was partly educated in the UK.
He has continued his father's policies of slow modernisation (while still trying to preserve Bhutanese culture), and in 1998 gave up some of his absolute powers, subsequently ruling with the advice of his government. In late 2003, he ordered Bhutan's first military campaign in well over a century, against Indian separatist rebel groups using Bhutanese territory as a base. Campaigns have also been launched against Nepali separatists in the south of the country.
He projects the image of one who maintains a simple lifestyle—preferring to work in a small log cabin above the capital, Thimphu, rather than in the fortress-like palace used by his four wives, all of whom are sisters.
Last updated: 05-28-2005 11:18:32
