[2] As of right now, Bhutan maintains diplomatic ties with 54 nations, including the EU.

A number of international organisations, including the UN and others, have country offices in Thimphu.

With the increasing need to undertake a focused approach to foreign policy, the department was upgraded to a Ministry in 1972.

During the 11th Five Year Plan (2013–2018), two additional departments were added in response to the growing mission and workload.

In order to spread knowledge and foster a better understanding of Bhutan overseas, the Public Diplomacy Division was created in the 12th Five Year Plan (2018–2023).