National Flag
The National flag is rectangular in shape and is divided into two parts diagonally. Upper yellow half signifies the secular power and authority of the king and the lower saffron-orange symbolizes the practice of religion and power of Buddhism. The white dragon in the middle signifies the name and purity of the kingdom while the jewels in its claws represent the wealth and perfection of the country.
National Emblem
There is a jewel on all sides with two dragons on the vertical sides. The thunderbolts represent the harmony between secular and religious power while the lotus symbolizes purity. The jewel signifies the sovereign power while the dragons (male and female) represent the name of the country DrukYul or the Land of the Dragon.
National Sport
Declared the national sport in 1971, when Bhutan became a member of the United Nations, the game has gained popularity since then. It is occasionally played during local festivals, celebrations, and as tournaments between varied teams. Some people choose to play it the traditional way with bows and arrows made of simple bamboo.
National Tree
The Cypress is the national tree of Bhutan. The tree is associated with religion, and is usually found near religious structures like Dzongs and temples in the temperate zone between altitudes of 1800m and 3500m. To the Bhutanese, its ability to survive on rugged terrains represent bravery and simplicity.
National Bird
The national bird is the Raven. The raven head is an important symbol on the royal crown. The bird represents the deity Gonpo Jarodongchen, the raven-headed Mahakala, one chief guardian deities of the country. It is an important mythological character associated with many unique stories.
National Animal
Takin, the unique animal with the head of a sheep and body of a cow, is associated with religious history and mythology. Unfortunately it is a rare animal and is on the verge of extinction. There is a Takin Reserve in Thimphu for those wishing to see this strange and beautiful animal.
National Flower
It is a delicate blue or purple tinged blossom with a white filament. It grows to a height of 1 meter, and is found above the tree line (3500-4500 meters) on rocky mountain terrain. It was discovered in 1933 by a British Botanist, George Sherriff in a remote part of Sakteng in eastern Bhutan.
National Dress
Gho for men and kira for women are the attire in Bhutan. Men wear gho, a knee-length skirt-like, robe tied at the waist by a belt, ‘kera.’ Women wear kira, a long ankle-length dress with an outer jacket, the tego, and an inner shirt known as wonju.