The Druk Gyalpo · 1907–present
The Five Dragon Kings
Since 1907, five kings of the house of Wangchuck have ruled Bhutan — each inheriting a more modern nation than the last, and each, in his own way, choosing to give power away rather than hoard it.
First Druk Gyalpo
Ugyen Wangchuck
“Founder of the Dynasty”The warrior-statesman who ended centuries of civil war and founded the monarchy.
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Second Druk Gyalpo
Jigme Wangchuck
“Consolidator of the Realm”The centralising king who bound a feudal patchwork into a single state.
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Third Druk Gyalpo
Jigme Dorji Wangchuck
“Father of Modern Bhutan”The reformer who abolished serfdom, opened the country, and built its first institutions.
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Fourth Druk Gyalpo
Jigme Singye Wangchuck
“Father of Gross National Happiness”The visionary who gave the world Gross National Happiness — then gave his people democracy.
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Fifth Druk Gyalpo
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
“The People’s King”The Oxford-educated "People’s King" who ushered his country into democracy.
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