Jigme Singye Wangchuck

Became King:July 21, 1972 Predecessor:Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Date of Birth:November 11, 1955 Place of Birth:Dechenchholing Palace,
Thimphu, Bhutan

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 Wangchuck (Jimi Dôji 'Wangchu). He was formally crowned on June 2, 1974.

He has continued his father's policies of slow modernisation, 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.

He has four wives, all sisters.