In the middle of the 15th century Bhutan was created by a Tibetan Lama and military man (Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) as a unified and independent nation, governed though a dual system of a political/administrative leader and a spiritual leader. This dual system still continues today.
The unity and independence began to disintegrate from the 16th century due to various border conflicts and wars. In the 1860’s a signed treaty between Bhutan and British India resulted in the concession of land to Britain in exchange for an annual payment, and international recognition of Bhutan as a nation.
In 1907 the hereditary monarchy was established with Ugyen Wangchuck chosen as King of Bhutan, with the Wangchucks continuing to rule the Kingdom of Bhutan to this day. The current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has ruled since 2006.