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 Anthem The national anthem was first composed in 1953.
The National Anthem became official in 1966. The first stanza can be translated: In the kingdom of the dragon, The southern land of sandalwood, Long live the king Who directs the affairs of both state and religion.
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 Day National Day is celebrated on 17 December and commemorates the ascension to the throne of Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan , at Punakha Dzong on 17 December 1907.
National Flower The national flower is the blue poppy (Meconopsis grandis), which grows at high altitudes.
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.
National Bird The national bird is the raven (Corvus corax) because it adorns the royal hat. It represents the deity Gonpo Jarodonchen (Mahakala with a raven's head), one of the most important guardian deities of Bhutan.
National Animal 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 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). Read more about archery
