The Developer: A Monarch who Strived to Modernise his Kingdom

Title
The Developer: A Monarch who Strived to Modernise his Kingdom
Publication Date
2016
Author(s)
Tashi, Tshering
Maxwell, Thomas W
Editor
Editor(s): Anna Balikci Denjongpa, Alex McKay and Kuenga Wangmo
Type of document
Book Chapter
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Bhutan Publishing House
Place of publication
Thimphu, Bhutan
Edition
1
UNE publication id
une:19292
Abstract
Bhutan has one of the highest living standards in South Asia. With a GDP per Capita (2014) of USD 2,661, it is among the highest in South Asia. It boasts a high literacy rate (2012) of 63%, life expectancy of 67.4 years with 90% health coverage and pristine environment. Bhutan has enjoyed economic prosperity with an intact culture, harmonious society and unprecedented peace. Much of the credit goes to His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck (r.1972-2006) the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. In this, he followed the earlier works of his father. Over three decades, the Third King led the transformation from a traditional rural economy into a modern one and then handed the leadership of that development over to others. After accession to the throne and until his abdication, strengthening the security and protection of the sovereignty of Bhutan was uppermost in the King's mind. However, in relation to planned economic development, Bhutan had a late start. It was only in 1961 that Bhutan started its first planned socio-economic development programmes. But in a relatively short time, Bhutan has already made Middle Income Country status. This is a significant achievement and much of this is due to the careful processes incorporated into the five year plans (FYPs). In this chapter we focus first on a few important precursors to the modernisation period. We then move on to the development of Bhutan during the period of the first six FYPs (1971-2001) and His Majesty's role in it. This is followed by a consideration of the major achievements of these times and their present outcomes.
Link
Citation
The Bodhisattva King: His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan, p. 117-135
ISBN
9789993691822
Start page
117
End page
135

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