Jigme Singye Wangchuck

This name uses Bhutanese naming customs. Bhutanese people have two given names, neither of which is a surname or family name unless they are descended from royal or noble lineages.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck འཇིགས་མེད་སེང་གེ་དབང་ཕྱུག
King of Bhutan
Reign	24 July 1972 – 9 December 2006
Coronation	2 June 1974
Predecessor	Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
Successor	Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Born	(1955-11-11) 11 November 1955 Dechencholing Palace, Thimphu, Bhutan
Spouse	1st consort: Dorji Wangmo 2nd consort: Tshering Pem 3rd consort: Tshering Yangdon 4th consort: Sangay Choden
Issue	Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Sonam Dechan Wangchuck Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck Kesang Choden Wangchuck Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck Khamsum Singye Wangchuck Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Euphelma Choden Wangchuck Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck
House	Wangchuck
Father	Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
Mother	Kesang Choden
Religion	Buddhism

Jigme Singye Wangchuck (Dzongkha: འཇིགས་མེད་སེང་གེ་དབང་ཕྱུག་, Wylie: jigs med seng ge dbang phyug; born 11 November 1955) is a member of the House of Wangchuck who was the king of Bhutan (Druk Gyalpo) from 1972 until his abdication in 2006.

During his reign, he advocated the use of a Gross National Happiness index to measure the well-being of citizens rather than Gross domestic product.

Early life

Jigme Singye Wangchuck was born in Dechencholing Palace in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 11 November 1955. to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck. The political officer of India stationed in Sikkim and the representative of the Sikkimese government came soon after to offer felicitations to the royal parents and to pay their respect to the newborn prince. At the age of four, sometime in 1959, the young Crown Prince received the offerings of good wishes and respects from the public, monks, and officials for the first time in Tashichho Dzong.

Education

Wangchuck received Western and traditional learning in various institutions. He began his education with a blend of both Buddhist and modern curricula at Dechencholing Palace, when he was six years old, in 1961. His formal education started by traditional teaching and then followed by the study of english and modern subjects, taught by trained teachers at the palace during the early years. His attendance at this school at Dechencholing began with 45 students. Soon afterward, he went to study at St. Joseph's School, Darjeeling, in India. In January 1965, he attended Summerfields School in St. Leonards, Sussex in England, and then in 1966 Heatherdown School in Ascot where he completed his studies in 1969. The next phase of his formal education took place at Namselling Palace in 1969. Finally, he attended Ugyen Wangchuck Academy at Satsham Choten in Paro, which was established in 1970, along with a class of selected students from all over Bhutan.

Crown Prince

In 1971 Wangchuck's father appointed Wangchuck as the Chairman of the National Planning Commission, charged with the planning and coordination of the five-year development plan. The following year, on 16 June 1972, he was made the Trongsa Penlop bestowing on him directly the saffron scarf or namza. The 3rd Five-Year Plan (FYP), which spanned the period 1971–77, was in progress when his father died. Wangchuck was 16 at that time. 1972 to 1976 was the period of the 3rd FYP, and 1976 to 1981 was the period of 4th FYP. As both King and the Chairman of the National Planning Commission, the clearing house for the programmes and projects, Wangchuck guided the planned activities first in broad terms and then increasingly in detail.

Royal wedding

In a public ceremony, the Royal Wedding of Wangchuck was held in Dechog Lhakhang in Punakha Dzong on 31 October 1988, corresponding with the Descending Day of Buddha. The four queens, Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Tshering Pem Wangchuck, Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck and Sangay Choden Wangchuck are daughters of Dasho Yab Ugyen Dorji, the descendant of both the mind and speech incarnations of Ngawang Namgyal, and Yum Thuiji Zam.

Previously, they had married privately in 1979.

Rural development

In his Coronation Address on 2 June 1974, Jigme Singye stressed the need "to attain self-reliance and preserve Bhutan's sovereignty and independence." He also stressed that any development undertaking should be a genuine collaboration between the people and the government. During the 1970s, immediate aims for rural households unfolded in terms of intensive valley projects, cash crops cultivation, especially potato – irrigation, and resettlement. Enhancing the income and livelihood of the rural people were the main focus of the 3rd and 4th FYPs. Soon after he acceded to the throne, Jigme Singye launched the Trashigang and Tsirang Intensive Valley Development Projects in 1972. These projects were part of a larger vision of food self-sufficiency and income generation.

Encouraged by the achievements in the Trashigang and Tsirang Intensive Valley Projects, similar valley projects were replicated in Mongar and the newly created Shumar (Pemagatshel) districts. These projects were also sites of experimental and participatory decision-making. It led to the formation of Dzongkhag Yargay Tshogchungs (DYTs), which brought the chimis, gups and officials to prepare plans together. By 1981, Trashigang and Tsirang had fully functional DYTs.

In higher altitude areas a new initiative by Wangchuck in the early 1970s consisted of diffusing potatoes as cash crops, first tested in royal pastureland of Longtoed and Longmed, which had been converted to potato farms. Beginning with the large-scale production in Khaling and Chapcha, potatoes become a key export crop, reaching 60,000 tonnes, grown by over 10,725 households by 2006.

In southern Bhutan, the focus was on growing citrus fruits. For example, in 1977, the King encouraged the people of Dagana to start cardamom and orange plantations. Both of these cash crops are now major sources of rural income as 3,400 tonnes of cardamom, 55,558 tonnes of oranges and 7,400 tonnes of apples were produced in 2006 due to the initiatives taken first in 1970s.

Socio-economic development

The socio-economic development of Bhutan under King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King, is characterized by significant advancements across various sectors from his coronation in 1974 until his abdication in 2006. This period was marked by a unique approach to development, emphasizing Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a guiding principle.

Jigme Singye Wangchuck in 2007 with Ellen Sauerbrey.

1. Introduction of Gross National Happiness (GNH)

His Majesty believed that true progress for the Bhutanese people should be assessed through their happiness and overall quality of life. This belief is deeply rooted in Bhutan's ancient legal code from 1629, which stated that "if the government cannot create happiness for its people, then there is no purpose for government to exist." This code emphasized that laws must promote happiness for all sentient beings, reflecting the nation's Buddhist values and the importance of compassion. In 1986, a royal decree directed the Planning Commission to evaluate the nation's progress based on the happiness and comfort of its people through the 6th Five Year Plan. GNH focuses on holistic well-being rather than purely economic indicators, incorporating cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and good governance as its four pillars.

Over four decades later, with Bhutan embracing democracy in 2008, Article 9 of the Constitution enshrined GNH values by mandating the state to promote conditions conducive to pursuing happiness.

Today, GNH is defined as a "multidimensional development approach seeking to achieve a harmonious balance between material well-being and the spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs of society," emphasizing the need to balance physical and mental well-being.

2. Health Improvements

1. Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure

- Increased Facilities: The number of healthcare facilities grew substantially, from just 56 in 1974 to 715 by 2006. This included the establishment of hospitals and basic health units across the country. - Accessibility: The expansion of the healthcare network improved access to medical services, especially in rural areas.

2. Improvement in Health Outcomes

- Life Expectancy: Life expectancy increased from around 40 years in the early 1970s to 66 years by 2006, reflecting better health services and living conditions. - Infant and Maternal Mortality Rates: Infant mortality dropped significantly from 142 per 1,000 live births in 1985 to 60 in 2006. Maternal mortality also decreased from 7.7% to 2.6% during this period, largely due to improved prenatal and postnatal care.

3. Universal Health Coverage

- Free Primary Health Care: By the end of King Jigme Singye's reign, Bhutan achieved nearly universal coverage for primary healthcare services, with a focus on providing free medical care to all citizens. - Health Insurance Initiatives: The government initiated policies to expand health insurance coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare.

4. Focus on Preventive Care

- Public Health Campaigns: The government launched various public health initiatives, including vaccination programs that contributed to a significant reduction in communicable diseases. - Access to Clean Water and Nutrition: Efforts were made to improve access to safe drinking water and nutrition, which positively impacted overall health outcomes.

5. Human Resource Development

- Training Programs: The establishment of institutions like the Royal Institute of Health Sciences in 1976 helped train healthcare professionals, addressing the shortage of qualified personnel. - Increased Workforce: By 2006, there was a notable increase in the number of health workers per capita, enhancing service delivery.

6. Tourism and Hydropower Development

Sparse networks of 1,332  km of roads had been built by 1974, compared to 4,544 by the end of his reign in 2006. In 1974, 24 wireless stations linked the rest of the country. Telephone connections, mostly for officials in Thimphu, were limited to 480 in 1974 compared to 31,526 in 2006.

There were 13,410 students enrolled in schools compared to 151,260 or so in 2006. By 2006, school enrollment touched 90%, literacy 60%, and both were so mainly due to a free education policy (more information at Education in Bhutan and Ministry of Education Website).

Health services, safe drinking water, and better nutrition have led to a 66-year life-span and lower morbidity during this life span. One of the constraints in education and health was the lack of qualified people. In 1976, King Jigme Singye commanded the establishment of the Royal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS) and the first batch of Health Assistants and Basic Health Workers passed out in 1986. There were 56 health establishments in 1974; by 2006 there were 715 resulting in 90% free primary health coverage. In 1985, there was nearly 50% health coverage. Infant mortality has fallen from 142 in 1985, to 60 in 2006. This was mainly due to the success of universal child immunisation and the supply of safe drinking water. There were 150 water supply schemes in 1985; this increased to 3,852 by 2006, giving 78% coverage of safe drinking water. Maternal mortality rate dropped from 7.7% in 1985 to 2.6% in 2006.

Besides these human development indicators, material prosperity rose remarkably. The distance between Bhutan and the outside world shortened because of motor road and air services. Wangchuck visited Delhi in 1978 and during that visit he discussed the possibility of having air links with India to promote its trade and commerce. The discussion was fruitful and led to a Donier flight between Paro and Kolkata in 1983. By 2006, air services connected Bhutan to Kathmandu, Delhi, Dhaka and Bangkok.

Just four million units of electricity were generated in 1974, compared to 3.357 billion units by the end of his reign in 2006. In 1985, just around 10,000 households had electricity, and the number reached over 65,000 meter-point units by 2006. The connectivity of Bhutan increased in his reign through air services, internet, and surface transport. Internet reached Bhutan in 1999. The spread of faxes, telephones, satellite TVs, computers, and the Internet brought Bhutan into a transnational or globalized world. The national income of the country, as measured by GDP, was Nu 2.4 billion in 1985. This increased to Nu 36.9 billion in 2006, which was a 15-fold increase in 21 years. Bhutan's per capita income reached US$1,500 in 2006 by the end of his reign. In purchasing power parity terms, Bhutan's per capita income in 2006 was nearly US$4,085.

The king introduced an unconventional tourism policy of "high-value, low-volume". Soon after the Coronation, in October 1974, the first group of 20 tourists entered the country through Phuntsholing, as there was no air service then. By 2006, the number of tourists, flown in by Druk Air and who paid royalty, reached 17,344.

One of the landmark developments, soon after his coronation, was the signing of the Chukha Hydropower Project in March 1974. Construction began in 1983 and the President of India, Ramaswamy Venkataraman and King Jigme Singye inaugurated the Chukha Hydropower Project on 21 October 1988, nearly 13 years after the first discussion on it took place, in 1974. Chukha improved the revenue situation and the financial capacity of the country. In the industrial sphere, an early landmark project planned soon after his coronation was the development of a complete master plan for the construction of the Penden Cement Factory. The actual construction started in 1979 and the company was in production by 1983. The Penden Cement Authority produced about half a million tonnes of cement every day, for instance in 2008. Manufacturing and mining spread, mostly in the southern towns.

Culture

Modernization often poses challenges to both culture and the environment. However, efforts were made to mitigate this pressure by emphasizing the role of cultural preservation in maintaining national identity and stability under the Fourth King's reign. Wangchuck emphasized the distinctive characters of Bhutanese cultures. Wangchuck stated that it is the "distinct identity of our county", and not the nation's "wealth, weapons and armed forces", that is the vital instrument in securing the sovereignty of the nation.

As an example of Wangchuck's support of classical Bhutanese culture, he had Tango Shedra built. Tango Shedra became the apex of education according to the classical system of cultural sciences. Academic monks complete their long studies with bachelor's and master's degrees in Tango. In 2008, 163 candidates – with 14 master's degrees and 149 bachelor's degrees –from Tango Shedra and Sangngag Chokhor Shedra in Paro held their graduation ceremonies at Tango.

Zorig Chusum was enhanced by Wangchuck when the Kawajangsa Institution of Zorig (now known as the National Institute for Zorig Chusum) in 1971 was established. At first, this institute concentrated on traditional fine arts. A similar institution was opened in 1997 in Tashi Yangtse. The Folk Heritage Museum started by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck in Kawajangsa, Thimphu in 2001, drew attention to the heritage of lay people's sustainable products and their lifestyle. Likewise, in 2001, the first Textile Museum opened by Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck drew attention to the weaving skills of Bhutan. Skilled artisans – painters, statue-makers, carpenters, and masons proliferated in Wangchuck's reign not only because of these new institutions but also by receiving on-the-job training in many new temples and dzongs constructed in the country.

The profile of indigenous medicine also became higher under Wangchuck's reign. Indigenous medicine spread as a parallel health service due to support to Institute of Indigenous Medicine.

There probably were only about 2,000 monks in the state-supported monasteries in 1972 when his reign started. By 2006, the number of monks subsisting on state allowances had increased to a little over 6,000. In parallel to the increase in the number of monks and nuns, the monastic infrastructure that included tutors, lamas, temples, gomdeys (meditation centers), and shedras (Buddhist colleges), increased in Wangchuck's reign. Many new official dratshangs in district headquarters, which hitherto did not have any monastic body, were opened such as Tsirang, Gaylegphug, Tashi Yangtse, Samtse, Pema Gatshel, Chukha, Bumthang and Zhemgang. Numerous affiliate monasteries to each dzongkhag rabdey were also opened throughout the country.

Picture of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck at Paro International Airport

By 2006, there were 13 shedras located in Tango, Dodeydrag, Khothokha, Sanga Choekhor, Gontey, Tshangkha, Tharpaling, Nimalung, Talo Nalanda, Sewla, Ngatsang, Drametse, and Bartsham with a total enrolment of some 700 monks. There were over 24 drubdeys or meditation places, stretching from Singye dzong in the east to Tagchu goenpa in Haa, enlisting 300 officially supported people who meditate on a long-term basis in 2006. These numbers were rolled as new meditation to succeed old ones upon their completion. There were over 45 monastic lobdras, where teachers received official stipends and where gomchens (young lay priests) studied. By 2006, there were also 10 nunneries, started on an organized basis, located in Jashar goenpa in Pema Gatshel in the east to Kila Goenpa in Paro in the west.

Environmental preservation

Wangchuck also enhanced the protection of natural resources such as forests and biodiversity. Wangchuck foresaw the potentially adverse impacts of both increased economic activity and increased population on the fragility of the mountain ecosystem. He raised the importance of the preservation of the environment during policy discussions, which resulted in vast areas of the country being devoted to parks and sanctuaries.

Environmental Stewardship of Jigme Singye Wangchuck:

Dedicating Land to Parks and Sanctuaries:

• Jigme Dorji National Park, Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary and Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary declared in 1974
• Toorsa Nature Reserve, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (known earlier as Jow Durshing National Park), Thrumsengla National Park, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary established in 1993. These efforts expanded Bhutan’s network of parks and sanctuaries to safeguard its biodiversity.

International Recognitions:

• Bhutan was identified as a global hotspot, in 1988
• UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and Convention on Biological Diversity signed in 1995
• Wangchuck and the people of Bhutan received the "Champions of the Earth" Award from UNEP, 2005
• In 2006, he was conferred the J. Paul Getty Conservation Leadership Award for his leadership in conservation. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this recognition highlighted his role in establishing policies and laws that positively impacted conservation in Bhutan and set an example globally. The award carried a cash prize of $200,000. Wangchuck stated that the award symbolized the collective efforts of the government and people of Bhutan.
• Wangchuck received the 2022 Blue Planet Prize from the Asahi Glass Foundation on October 5, 2022, in recognition of his Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, which integrates environmental conservation as a core pillar. Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck accepted the award on his behalf, emphasizing that it was a tribute to Bhutan’s collective commitment to ecological balance and sustainable development.

Policy Development:

• Environmental Studies started in schools, in 1985
• National Environment Commission established in 1990
• Bhutan Trust Fund for Environment established in 1992
• Environment Assessment Act, 2000
• Bio-diversity Act of Bhutan, 2003

Transition to Democracy

Since 2008, Bhutan has been a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy with the Druk Gyalpo as the head of the state and the existence of multiple political parties. This transition from Absolute Monarchy to Democratic Constitutional Monarchy began in the reign of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Democratization first started precisely when Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third Dragon King, created a National Assembly in 1953, which facilitated dialogue by serving as a forum where elders from different provinces could voice their ideas for a better Bhutan. Jigme Singye Wangchuck ruled until 2006 and is widely recognized for his transformative leadership, which emphasized political and legal reforms. His reign was marked by efforts to modernize Bhutan while preserving its cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

A key aspect of his legacy was his role in advancing democracy in Bhutan. He believed that relying solely on a single individual for governance was a risk for a small, landlocked nation with a limited population. His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, played a significant role in advancing the process of democratization in Bhutan by decentralizing power from the central government to local authorities. In 1981, he established the Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogdu (Dzongkhag Development Committee) and later the Gewog Yargye Tshogchung (Block Development Committee) in 1991. These initiatives aimed to enhance public participation in decision-making and prepare citizens for democratic governance.

Key developments leading up to the democratic elections in 2008 included the dissolution of the Cabinet in 1998, which resulted in the election of a Council of Ministers endowed with full executive powers by representatives of the people. This was followed by the formation of a Constitution Drafting Committee in 2001 under royal command. These reforms reduced the monarchy's powers, transferring authority to elected officials and laying the foundation for Bhutan’s transition to a constitutional monarchy.

The emergence of democracy in Bhutan is characterized by its divergence from traditional democratic transition theories, which typically involve a significant demand for democracy from a politically conscious citizenry. Instead, Bhutan's democratic system was primarily initiated and driven by the monarchy. In 2006, when the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, announced his intention to abdicate and conduct parliamentary elections, many Bhutanese citizens expressed their emotional resistance to this change. They argued that the country was already experiencing political stability, peace, and economic progress under the monarchy. The Fourth King justified his decision by stating that democracy should be introduced during times of peace and that it was unwise to rely solely on one individual, especially considering the unknown capabilities of future heirs.

This rationale has led many Bhutanese to view their democracy as unique, often referred to as a “Gift from the Golden Throne.” His Majesty the King has articulated his vision for Bhutanese democracy on multiple occasions. In a speech during the National Assembly session in June 2007, he emphasized that the principles of democracy should permeate all aspects of life—at home, in communities, at work, and within government—indicating that democracy is not merely a political concept but a way of life grounded in individual values and integrity.

Decentralisation

At the end of the 4th FYP (1976–1981), Wangchuck extensively reviewed the successes and challenges of the previous four years of development, which also included the physical inspection of the field projects. Wangchuck envisioned different planning system for the 5th FYP (1981–86) emphasising decentralisation. He initiated the creation of the Dzongkhag Yargye Tshogdu (DYT) in 1981 and the Gewog Yargye Tshogchung (GYT) in 1991. These bodies were designed to empower local leaders and facilitate community involvement in governance. The DYT serves as a district development committee, while the GYT operates at the village level. As part of the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1981-1986), new dzongdags (district heads) were appointed across all 18 districts. They were given broad responsibilities for managing public finances and coordinating district development plans, acting as chairpersons of the DYT. This delegation of authority allowed for more localized decision-making in conjunction with elected local leaders (gups and chimis) The King increasingly devolved authority to local governance structures, enabling them to make decisions that directly affected their communities. This shift aimed to bring governance closer to the people and improve responsiveness to local needs. In 1998, Wangchuck delegated the power of selecting ministers to the National Assembly, reinforcing democratic principles within the monarchy. He retained mechanisms such as the no-confidence vote, ensuring accountability among ministers. Various independent institutions were established during his reign, including subdistrict courts (Dungkhag courts), the Royal Civil Service Commission, and the Election Commission. These institutions laid the groundwork for a more structured governance framework. In 1992, Wangchuck granted autonomy to Bhutan's national newspaper, Kuensel, and the national radio network, Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS), which had previously been government-controlled. This move promoted greater transparency and freedom of expression. By empowering local bodies and promoting public involvement in decision-making, these reforms contributed to a gradual transition from a centralized monarchy to a constitutional democracy.

Foreign Policy

State Visits

Bhutanese participation in international organisations at various levels increased. Personally, Wangchuck attended the non-aligned and SAARC summits until 1997, travelling to Colombo in 1976 for 8th Non-Aligned Summit; Havana in 1979 for 6th Non-Aligned Summit; New Delhi in 1983 for 5th SAARC Summit and 1995 for 8th SAARC Summit; Harare in 1986 for 8th Non-Aligned Summit; Kathmandu in 1987 for 3rd SAARC Summit; Islamabad in 1988 for 4th SAARC Summit; Belgrade in 1989 for 9th Non-Aligned Summit; Malé in 1990 for 5th SAARC Summit, and Dhaka in 1993 for 7th SAARC Summit.

Diplomatic expansion

Wangchuck emphasized a two-fold foreign policy for Bhutan: to deepen Bhutan's relations with India and to create new bonds of friendship with fellow members of the UN. To diversify the sources of funding, Bhutan cultivated close relationships with the UN, ever since the visit of a UN Under-Secretary General in 1974. Relationships with other nations widened rapidly after 1974. The Coronation of 1974 brought a large numbers of foreign delegates. Representatives of some 18 nations attended the Coronation. Notably, a representative from China also attended. Bhutan had supported China's seat in the United Nations in 1971 soon after Bhutan became a member of the UN. In parallel to the increase in development assistance, the decade between 1980 and 1990 was a period of enhanced diplomacy for Bhutan. In this decade, under the guidance of Wangchuck, Bhutan established diplomatic relations with 17 out of the existing 53 countries, and became associated with 12 out of 20 organisations of the United Nations family.

In Wangchuck's reign, diplomatic links were developed with many other nations such as Bangladesh in 1973; Kuwait in 1983; Nepal in 1983; The Maldives in 1984; Denmark in 1985; Norway in 1985; Sweden in 1985; Switzerland in 1985; Netherlands in 1985; Japan in 1986; Finland in 1986; South Korea in 1987; Sri Lanka in 1987; Austria in 1989; Thailand in 1991; Bahrain in 1992; Singapore in 2002; Australia in 2002 and Canada in 2003. Wangchuck cultivated bonds of friendship with other countries and strengthened Bhutan-international relationships and diversified its sources of development assistance.

Popularity Abroad

In 1989, during the State Funeral of Emperor Hirohito in Tokyo, Bhutan's Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, displayed extraordinary humility and respect by enduring freezing temperatures in traditional Bhutanese attire and remaining until the ceremony's conclusion, earning the admiration of the Japanese people.

His simple yet profound gesture created lasting goodwill between Bhutan and Japan, raising awareness about Bhutan and endearing him to the Japanese nation. 

In another instance, after Kuwait’s financial records were destroyed in the Gulf War in 1990, Bhutan was the first to send detailed documents, despite its limited resources.

Touched by King Jigme Singye Wangchuck’s humility, the Emir of Kuwait gifted him a BMW, which the King redirected for diplomatic use and reciprocated with a handcrafted wooden table. 

Jubilee and abdication

The silver Jubilee of Jigme Singye Wangchuck was celebrated in 1999 to mark 25 years since his coronation. A commemorative medal was also issued to mark the occasion.

Wangchuck abdicated the throne in favour of his son in 2006, in preparation for the country's transition from an absolute monarchy to a semi-constitutional monarchy. In doing so, he stated: "The best time to change a political system is when the country enjoys stability and peace... Why wait for a revolution? Why crown an heir only when the nation is in mourning for a late king?"

Wives and children

1. Dorji Wangmo (born 10 June 1955, first wife)

Name	Birth	Marriage		Issue
Princess Ashi Sonam Dechen Wangchuck (Photo)	(1981-08-05) 5 August 1981	5 April 2009	Dasho Phub W. Dorji	Dasho Jigje Singye Wangchuck ((2009-12-03)3 December 2009) (age 15 years) Dasho Jigme Jigten Wangchuck ((2013-08-23)23 August 2013) (age 11 years)
Prince Dasho Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (Photo)	(1984-07-06) 6 July 1984

2. Tshering Pem (born 22 December 1957, second wife)

Name	Birth	Marriage		Issue
Princess Ashi Chimi Yangzom Wangchuck (Photo)	(1980-01-10) 10 January 1980	13 October 2005	Dasho Sangay Wangchuck	Dasho Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck (ca. September 2006 (age 18)) Dasho Jamyang Singye Wangchuck (2009 (age 15–16))
Princess Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck (Photo)	(1982-01-23) 23 January 1982	11 November 2008	Dasho Palden Yoser Thinley	Dasho Jamgyel Singye Wangchuck Dasho Ugyen Junay Wangchuck Ashi Tshering Tshoyang Wangchuck (ca. January 2019 (age 6))
Prince Dasho Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck (Photo)	(1994-11-11) 11 November 1994

3. Tshering Yangdon (born 21 June 1959, third wife)

Name	Birth	Marriage		Issue
King Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck	(1980-02-21) 21 February 1980	13 October 2011	Ashi Jetsun Pema	Crown Prince Druk Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck ((2016-02-05)5 February 2016) (age 8 years) Prince Dasho Jigme Ugyen Wangchuck ((2020-03-19)19 March 2020) (age 4 years) Princess Ashi Sonam Yangden Wangchuck ((2023-09-09)9 September 2023) (age 1 year 4 months)
Princess Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck (Photo)	(1981-12-02) 2 December 1981	29 October 2009	Dasho Tandin Namgyel	Ashi Dechen Yuidem Yangzom Wangchuck Dasho Ugyen Dorji Wangchuck Dasho Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Prince Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (Photo)	(1986-04-14) 14 April 1986	17 October 2013	Ashi Yeatso Lhamo	Ashi Decho Pema Wangchuck (2014 (age 10–11))

4. Sangay Choden (born 11 May 1963, fourth wife)

Name	Birth	Marriage		Issue
Prince Dasho Khamsum Singye Wangchuck (Photo)	(1985-10-06) 6 October 1985
Princess Ashi Euphelma Choden Wangchuck (Photo)	(1993-06-06) 6 June 1993	29 October 2020	Dasho Thinley Norbu

Styles

• 11 November 1955 – 15 May 1972: His Royal Highness Dasho (Prince) Jigme Singye Wangchuck
• 15 May 1972 – 15 July 1972: His Royal Highness Trongsa Penlop Dasho Jigme Singye Wangchuck, The Crown Prince of Bhutan
• 15 July 1972 – 14 December 2006: His Majesty King Jigme Singye, The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, The King of Bhutan
• 14 December 2006 – present: His Majesty King Jigme Singye, The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, The King Father of Bhutan

Awards and Recognition

• Japan :
  • Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (16 March 1987).
• Nepal :
  • Member of the Order of Ojaswi Rajanya (5 October 1988).
• Kuwait :
  • Collar of the Order of Mubarak the Great (1990).
• Bahrain :
  • Order of Al Khalifa, 1st Class (1990).
• Sweden :
  • Knight of the Royal Order of the Seraphim (1994).
  • Champions of the Earth 2005:
  • WWF J Paul Getty Award 2006: Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuck has been conferred the 2006 J Paul Getty Conservation Leadership Award in recognition of "his leadership and deep concern for the environment." Her Royal Highness Ashi Sonam Dechan Wangchuck accepted the 2006 J. Paul Getty Conservation Leadership Award on behalf of His Majesty the King and the people.
  • The 2006 TIME 100 2006: His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan was also recognized by the 2006 TIME 100 for "setting a quietly revolutionary precedent." His legacy of Gross National Happiness, the transition from Absolute Monarchy to Democratic Constitutional Monarchy, and the Drafting of the Constitution sets a moral example of transforming the world.
  • Kyoto Hall Of Fame 2011: In a ceremony attended by around 600 people, including Their Imperial Highnesses Prince Akishino-miya and Princess Kiko-Sama and prominent citizens of Japan, Her Royal Highness Princess Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck received the Hall of Fame award on behalf of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo on February 13. His Majesty, Jigme Singye Wangchuck the fourth King of Bhutan was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the protection of the global environment.
  • Blue Planet Prize 2022

See also

• Druk Gyalpo
• Ngawang Namgyal
• Penlop of Trongsa
• Great Buddha Dordenma
• House of Wangchuck
• Gross National Happiness
• Tashichho Dzong

External references

• Bhutan Times (2007). Immortal Lines: Speeches of the 4th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Thimphu: Bhutan Times.
• Kingdom of Bhutan (1999). 25 Years a King His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck 1974-1999. Royal Government of Bhutan.
• Lyonchhen Jigmi Yoeser Thinley (2009). State of the Nation Report 2009 (PDF) (Report). Cabinet Secretariat. p. 92. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
• Lyonchhen Jigmi Yoeser Thinley (1 July 2010). The 2nd Annual Report of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to the Fifth session of the First Parliament on the State of the Nation (PDF) (Report). Cabinet Secretariat. p. 92. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.
• Lyonchhen Jigmi Yoeser Thinley (1 July 2011). Third Annual Report of Lyonchhen Jigmi Yoeser Thinley to the Seventh Session of the First Parliament on the State of the Nation (PDF) (Report). Cabinet Secretariat. p. 124. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 July 2015. Retrieved 12 July 2015.

External links

• The Royal Family of Bhutan (archived 5 September 2008)
• Time Magazine's 100 People Who Shape Our World 2006: King Jigme Singye Wangchuck