🇧🇹 Bhutan
Constitutional monarchyElectoral democracy
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Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Monarch · 6,554 days in office
How the political system works in Bhutan
Bhutan is governed as a constitutional monarchy. Its monarch, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has led the country since Nov 6, 2008. Bhutan has had 5 monarchs since 1907. Under the Regimes of the World classification, it counts as an electoral democracy.
Tenure records
Longest-serving
Jigme Singye Wangchuck
12,564 days
Shortest-serving
Ugyen Wangchuck
6,822 days
Average tenure
8,987 days
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck: 27% below average
Female leaders
0 of 5
All male to date
Recent monarchs by days in office
All monarchs of Bhutan
| # | Name | Took office | Left office | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 |  Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck | Dec 14, 2006 | Incumbent | 7,247 |
| 4 |  Jigme Singye Wangchuck | Jul 21, 1972 | Dec 14, 2006 | 12,564 |
| 3 |  Jigme Dorji Wangchuck | Oct 27, 1952 | Jul 21, 1972 | 7,207 |
| 2 |  Jigme Wangchuck | Aug 21, 1926 | Mar 30, 1952 | 9,353 |
| 1 |  Ugyen Wangchuck | Dec 17, 1907 | Aug 21, 1926 | 6,822 |
Officeholder history via Wikidata. Multiple rows for one person indicate separate terms.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is the Monarch of Bhutan?
- Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has been Monarch of Bhutan since Nov 6, 2008.
- How is the leader of Bhutan chosen?
- Bhutan is governed as a constitutional monarchy. Its monarch, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has led the country since Nov 6, 2008. Bhutan has had 5 monarchs since 1907. Under the Regimes of the World classification, it counts as an electoral democracy.
- Who is the longest-serving Monarch of Bhutan?
- Jigme Singye Wangchuck, with 12,564 days in office.
- Has Bhutan ever had a female monarch?
- No. All 5 monarchs of Bhutan to date have been men.