1720 – Chinese imperial army invades and temporarily establishes control over Bhutan.
1772-73 – British intervention.
1864-65 – Further intervention by Britain.
1907 – Ugyen Wangchuck is chosen as hereditary ruler.
1910 – Treaty giving Britain control over foreign relations.
1949 – Treaty signed with newly-independent India guaranteeing non-interference in Bhutan’s internal affairs, but allowing Delhi influence over foreign relations.
1958 – Slavery abolished.
1974 – First foreign tourists allowed in.
1988 – Census leads to branding of many ethnic Nepalis as illegal immigrants. Government also introduces other measures to stress Tibetan-based Bhutanese culture, antagonising minority ethnic Nepali community.
1990 – Violent ethnic unrest and anti-government protests in southern Bhutan pressing for greater democracy and respect for Nepali rights. Thousands of ethnic Nepalis flee to Nepal.
1998 – King cedes some powers to national assembly.
1999 – Limited television and internet services allowed; several dozen political prisoners released.
2007 – Bhutan signs a landmark agreement with India which revises ties with its neighbour, giving Bhutan more say over its foreign and defence policies.
2013 – Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay says Bhutan’s much lauded concept of Gross National Happiness is overused and masks real problems such as increasing debt, chronic unemployment, poverty and corruption.