Bhutan - King Jigme wang chuk - Jigme Singye Wangchuk says he will abdicate and hand power to his son, Crown Prince Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in 2008. He came to the throne in 1972 at the age of just 17, assuming the title of 'Druk Gyalpo' or Dragon King. Partly educated in Britain, and having travelled abroad, the king has continued the policy of limited modernisation adopted by his father. He has also been keen to preserve Bhutan's unique culture. He gave up some of the monarch's absolute powers in 1998 and now rules in conjunction with the government, an assembly and a royal advisory council. He projects the image of one who maintains a simple lifestyle - preferring to work in a small log cabin above the capital, Thimphu, rather than in the fortress-like palace used by his four wives, all of whom are sisters.