They found a ready sponsor in Bhutan's third monarch, King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck (1926-1972).

CNN: Going Nowhere

At the time the country was enjoying unprecedented prosperity under King Ugyen Wangchuck.

CNN: Going Nowhere

In the 1990s, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, then king of Bhutan, granted the takins freedom from the captivity of a zoo.

BBC: Bhutan, the kingdom of the clouds

Even after next year's election, the new king, Jigme Khesar Wangchuck, an Oxford-educated 27-year-old, will control the army and appoint key functionaries.

ECONOMIST: Bhutan's mock election

Bhutan's road to democracy was paved by the fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who decided that the country's destiny should not be left to accidents of birth.

WSJ: Lessons in Gross National Happiness

As a youngster, Jigme Singye Wangchuck stopped playing goalie in soccer when he realized that none of the players dared to knock one past the future King of Bhutan.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia