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1949
Treaty signed with newly-independent India guaranteeing non-interference in Bhutan's internal affairs, but allowing Delhi influence over foreign relations. -
1952
National assembly established -
1958
Slavery abolished. Other social reforms follow in subsequent years. -
1964-1965
Prime minister killed in dispute among competing political factions. Unsuccessful attempt to assassinate monarch. -
1971
Bhutan joins United Nations -
1972
King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck dies and is succeeded by his son, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who continues policy of cautious modernisation. -
1974
First foreign tourists allowed in. -
1986
New law granting citizenship on basis of length of residence in Bhutan. -
1990
Violent ethnic unrest and anti-government protests in southern Bhutan pressing for greater democracy and respect for Nepali rights. Bhutan People's Party begins campaign of violence. Thousands of ethnic Nepalis flee to Nepal. -
1992
- Leader of illegal Bhutan People's Party sentenced to life imprisonment.
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1996
- Leader of illegal Bhutan People's Party sentenced to life imprisonment.
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1998
King cedes some powers to national assembly, giving up role as head of government; cabinet now elected by assembly; famous "Tiger's Lair" Buddhist monastery damaged by fire. -
1999
Limited television and internet services allowed; several dozen political prisoners released. -
2000
First internet cafe opens in Thimphu; Bhutan hit by landslides following severe flooding in region, causing at least 200 deaths. -
January
Indian state of Assam says two rebel groups still have camps in Bhutan, despite Bhutan's deadline for them to leave the country by the end of 2001. -
December
Bhutanese soldiers fight Indian separatist rebels in an attempt to drive them from their bases in the south of the country. -
March
Proposed constitution is unveiled. It envisages a parliamentary democracy and will be adopted or rejected in a referendum. -
June-August
Bhutanese refugees in Nepal demonstrate over several weeks to press for third-country resettlement. -
December
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck abdicates; Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the crown prince, assumes the throne. The former monarch had been expected to stay in power until 2008. -
February
Bhutan signs a landmark agreement with India which revises ties with its neighbour, giving Bhutan more say over its foreign and defence policies -
January and Feburary
A string of bomb blasts hits the country ahead of elections set for March 24. The attacks are blamed on groups fighting for the rights of ethnic Nepalis exiled in 1991. -
March
Pro-monarchy Bhutan Harmony Party wins 44 out of the 47 seats in the country's first parliamentary elections. Another pro-monarchy party wins the remaining seats. -
April
Huanglongbing virus wipes out much of orange crop. Oranges are an important export for Bhutan.