National Symbols:

National Flag:

The rectangular national flag of Bhutan is divided diagonally and depicts a white dragon across the middle. The upper part of the flag is golden yellow, representing the secular power of the king, while the lower part is orange, symbolizing the Buddhist religion. The dragon honors the country’s name, DRUK YUL, Land of the Thunder Dragon. The white color of the Dragon is associated with purity, represents Bhutan. The Jewels clasped in the Dragons claws denotes the rich culture, heritage and perfection of the country.

National Anthem (Translated into English from Dzongkha)

In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom adorned with sandalwood,
T he protector who guards the teachings of the dual system .
He, the precious and glorious ruler, causes dominion to spread,
while his unchanging person abides in consistency,
As the doctrine of the Lord Buddha flourishes,
may the sun and peace of happiness shine on the People

National Emblem: The national emblem, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The double diamond- thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power which results from the Buddhist religion in its Vajrayana form. The lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel expresses sovereign power; and the two dragons, male and female, stands for the name of the country which they proclaim with their great voice, the thunder (DRUK).

National Day: National Day is celebrated on 17th December and commemorates the ascension to the throne of Sir Ugyen Wangchuk, the first king of Bhutan, at Punakha Dzong on 17th December 1907.King Ugyen Wangchuk won the confidence and respect of the British that he was awarded the KCIE (Knight commander of the Indian Empire) in 1905.

National Flower: The national flower is the blue poppy (meconopsis grandis) local name (Euitphel metog hoem).It is distributed on rocky terrain above the tree line(3,500mts - 4,200 mts).

The Blue Poppy has won worldwide acclaim for it beauty.

National Tree: The national tree is the cypress (Cupressus corneyana) Local name Tsenden, which is often associated with religious places,therefore it is considered sacred. The wood and branches are used as incense since time immemorial.Its capacity to survive on rugged harsh terrains is compared to that of the Bhutanese people in their bravery and simplicity.

National Bird : The national bird is the raven (Corvus corax) (Local name,Jarog) because it adorns the royal crown . It represents the deity Gonpo Jarodonchen (Mahakala with a raven’s head), one of the most important guardian deities of Bhutan who constitute the Divine Trinity which perpetually safeguards the well being of the Kingdom from adversity.The Raven is usually found in alpine areas and trans-himalayan regions.

National Animal : The national animal is the takin (Burdorcas taxicolor) Local name(Dong Gyem Tsey), an extremely rare bovid mammal resembling a gnu and a musk ox.. It lives in flocks at elevations of 4,000 metres (over 13,000feet) high where there is dense bamboo and rhododendron growth.The Takin’s colours range from Golden Yellow,Brown,Black and Grey. It can weigh as much as 250 kilograms (550lbs). Bhutan is the last refuge for Takin in their natural and unspoilt habitats.