National Symbols of Bhutan

NATIONAL FLAG

The national flag was created in 1947 by Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji and modified in 1956 to take its final shape. The Bhutanese flag 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, symbolising the Buddhist religion. The dragon, whose white colour is associated with purity, represents Bhutan. The jewels held in its claws stand for the wealth and perfection of the country.

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 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, stand for the name of the country which they proclaim with their great voice, the thunder.

NATIONAL FLOWER

The national flower is the blue poppy (Meconopsis grandis). It grows to the height of 1 meter on rocky mountain terrain. It was discovered by British botanist George Sheriff in 1933 in far flung part of Sakten (Eastern Bhutan).

NATIONAL TREE

The national tree is the cypress (Cupressus torolusa), which is often associated with religious places. The Bhutanese identify with it because it is straight and strong and can grow in inhospitable soil and also representing tenacious spirit and simplicity.

NATIONAL ANIMALS

The national animal is the takin (Burdorcas taxicolor), an extremely rare bovid mammal of the ovine-caprine family It lives in flocks in places 4,000 metres (over 13,125 feet) high, and eats bamboo. It can weigh as much as 250 kilogrammes (550 pounds). Read more about takin

NATIONAL BIRD

The national bird is the raven (Corvus corax) 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.

NATIONAL SPORT

Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. Since time immemorial Bhutanese have been passionate about their national sport of dha (archery). Competitions are a riot of colour and excitement, with two teams in traditional dress shooting at small wooden targets placed 140m apart (Olympic standard is 50m).