_#_Independence: 8 August 1949 (from India)

_#_Constitution: no written constitution or bill of rights

_#_Legal system: based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

_#_National holiday: National Day (Ugyen Wangchuck became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)

_#_Executive branch: monarch, chairman of the Royal Advisory Council, Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), chairman of the Council of Ministers, Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog)

_#_Legislative branch: unicameral National Assembly (Tshogdu)

_#_Judicial branch: High Court

_#_Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government—King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July 1972)

_#_Political parties: no legal parties