Bhutan was originally known by many names such as Lho Jong, ‘The Valleys of the South’, Lho Mon Kha Zhi, ‘The Southern Mon Country of Four Approaches’, Lho Jong Men Jong, ‘The Southern Valleys of Medicinal Herbs’, and Lho Mon Tsenden Jong, ‘The Southern Mon Valleys where Sandlewood Grows’. Mon was a term used by the Tibetans to refer to Mongoloid, non-Buddhist peoples that populated the Southern Himalayas.
The country came to be known as Druk Yul or The Land of Drukpas sometime in 17th century. The Name refers to the Drukpa sect of Buddhism that has been the dominant religion in the region since that period.
The country was first unified in 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. After arriving to Bhutan from Tibet he consolidated his power, defeated three invasions and established comprehensive system of law and governance. Following a civil war in 19th century after the death of Zhabdrung, the House of Wangchuck reunited the country in 17th December, 1907 and established relations with British Empire. His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck became the first Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). Bhutan fostered a strategic partnership with India during the rise of Chinese communism and has a disputed border with the People’s Republic of China.
In 2008, Bhutan enacted its constitution and converted to democracy in order to better safeguard the rights of its citizens. Later in November of the same year, the currently reigning 5th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (The King of Bhutan) was crowned.
