Politics of Bhutan

Bhutan is a small country in South Asia with a special kind of government called a constitutional monarchy. This means that while the King of Bhutan is the head of state, the country's laws and daily decisions are made by elected leaders. The King of Bhutan still plays an important role, guiding the nation and making sure its values are respected.

The real work of running the country is done by a group called the Lhengye Zhungtshog, which is led by the Prime Minister. This group makes most of the decisions about laws and services. The Parliament, which has two parts — the National Council and the National Assembly — helps create and approve these laws.

In the past, Bhutan was ruled only by the King. But in 2007 and 2008, the country made big changes to become more democratic. The King allowed political parties to form, and people began choosing their leaders in elections. In 2008, Bhutan created its first modern Constitution, which set up the rules for how the government should work today.

Sovereignty

Bhutan’s relationships with other countries were once managed by Britain after the 1910 Treaty of Punakha. Later, after India became independent in 1949, Bhutan and India made a new agreement. This agreement let Bhutan keep control of its own affairs while getting advice from India on matters outside the country.

In February 2007, Bhutan and India updated their friendship treaty. They removed old phrases that suggested India had control over Bhutan, making it clear that Bhutan is a fully independent and sovereign nation.

Branches of government

Further information: Constitution of Bhutan

The Constitution of Bhutan sets up three main parts of the government: the executive (which carries out laws), the legislative (which makes laws), and the judicial (which solves problems and decides on laws). The Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan) is part of both the religious and secular parts of the government.

The head of state is the Druk Gyalpo ("Dragon King"). The head of government is the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister leads a group called the Lhengye Zhungtshog (Council of Ministers). Before 2008, the king's powers were stronger, but now the Prime Minister and cabinet handle many of these duties.

Bhutan's parliament has two parts: the National Council and the National Assembly. People in Bhutan vote to choose members for these groups. Political parties can help choose the Prime Minister. The first Prime Minister was Jigme Thinley, followed by Tshering Tobgay and then Lotay Tshering. As of January 2024, Tshering Tobgay is the Prime Minister again.

The courts in Bhutan include the Supreme Court, the High Court, and local courts. Judges are chosen by the King. Before 2008, the King was the final decision-maker in court cases, but now the Supreme Court has this role.

Administrative divisions

Main article: Districts of Bhutan

Bhutan is divided into 20 districts, called dzongkhag. These districts are Bumthang, Chukha, Dagana, Gasa, Ha, Lhuntse, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatshel, Punakha, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, Sarpang, Thimphu, Trashirang, Trashiyangtse, Trongsa, Tsirang, Wangdue Phodrang, and Zhemgang.

International organization participation

Bhutan is a member of many international groups, such as the AsDB, BIMSTEC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ITU, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO. These groups help Bhutan work together with other countries on important issues.