Thimpu, Bhutan - Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk on Thursday was crowned Bhutan's fifth dragon king in a lavish ceremony in the capital of the tiny Himalayan state, becoming the world's youngest head of state.

Oxford-educated Jigme Kehsar, 28, took over the kingship from his father, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, 53.

Jigme Khesar has been in office since late 2006 when his popular father announced he was abdicating in favour of his son and at the same time transforming the country from an absolute monarchy into a democracy.

Parliamentary elections took place in March for the first time in Bhutan's history.

Court astrologers had set Thursday - or, according to the Bhutanese calender, the eight day of the ninth month of the auspicious year of the male earth rat - as the most auspicious date for the coronation.

Bhutan, the world's youngest democracy, is the last monarchy in South Asia.

Bhutan is about the same size as Switzerland and has 700,000 inhabitants. The mountain kingdom, which is largely isolated from the rest of the world ,is located in the Himalayas between China and India. (dpa)