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Bhutan introduces television and internet
As television and internet are first introduced in Bhutan, the country starts to become more modernised, and people start to become more aware of the outside world. Bhutan's young people start to become more westernised. -
Bhutan starts drafting its first constitution
This is a big step in Bhutan's transition to democracy, and lays the foundations for Bhutan's coming parliament. -
Bhutan bans tobacco products
Many people who smoke tobacco in Bhutan may have been upset by this, but it was really quite a good idea, as it makes tobacco much less common in Bhutan. -
Bhutan unveils its proposed constitution
This was a very important step in Bhutan's move toward democracy, as it clearly showed that they were aiming for democracy and were about to change. -
Bhutan's king abdicates and passes the throne to his son
Bhutan's king Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicates (earlier than expected), and the throne is passed to his son Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. -
Bhutan holds its first parliamentary elections
The Bhutan Harmony Party wins a landslide victory in Bhutan's first elections. The party is pro-monarchy. Bhutan's new Prime Minister is Jigme Yoser Thinley. Bhutan is now a democratic country, and this is a big turning point in its history. -
Bhutan holds its second parliamentary elections
Bhutan's second parliamentary elections are won by the People's Democratic Party. The new Prime Minister is Tshering Tobgay. -
US Secretary of State holds a cabinet-level meeting with Bhutan's Prime Minister
US Secretary of State John Kerry is the first US Secretary of State to hold a cabinet level meeting with a Bhutanese official, specifically Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay. This shows that the US accepts Bhutan as a valid country and democracy.