The national flag of Bhutan is representative of the country's general features. The secular authority of the king is shown by the upper half of the flag which is yellow, the colour of fruitful action in state and religious affairs. The lower orange half of the flag represents the religious practice and spiritual power of Mahayana Buddhism. The thunder dragon running diagonally across the middle of the flag signifies the name Druk Yul. Its white colour is an expression of purity and loyalty of the various ethnic and linguistic groups in the country. The country's wealth and perfection are the jewels clasped in the dragon's claws, protected by the strength of deities expressed by the snarling mouth of the dragon.

The national flag of Bhutan is representative of the country's general features. The secular authority of the king is shown by the upper half of the flag which is yellow, the colour of fruitful action in state and religious affairs. The lower orange half of the flag represents the religious practice and spiritual power of Mahayana Buddhism. The thunder dragon running diagonally across the middle of the flag signifies the name Druk Yul. Its white colour is an expression of purity and loyalty of the various ethnic and linguistic groups in the country. The country's wealth and perfection are the jewels clasped in the dragon's claws, protected by the strength of deities expressed by the snarling mouth of the dragon.

The National Anthem (translation)

In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom adorned with sandalwood
The 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

The Raven Crown

Usa Jarog Dongchen is the Raven crown of Bhutan, a symbol of Mahakala, the protective deity of the first Shabdrung. The head of a raven lies on top of a motif called Jachung, embroidered on the brim of the crown. A sun and moon on the head of the raven symbolise longevity, steadfastness and enlightenment. The Norbu, also on the head, is a sacred gem symbolic of the fulfilment of right effort.

The National Game

The national sport of Bhutan is archery. It is an exclusively male sport although women are as much part of the whole affair for their participation in the rituals of dancing and verbal encouragements that accompany the game. Sarcastic refrains are often made about the archers in an attempt to distract them from hitting a straight arrow. Traditional bows and arrows are made from bamboo although the popularity of foreign compound bows is gaining momentum amongst those who can afford it.

The National Emblem

The national emblem is contained in a circle with two dragons framing a double diamond-thunderbolt (dorji) placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel. The dorji symbolises harmony between secular and religious power while the jewel represents sovereign power. The quality of purity is present in the lotus. The two dragons, male and female, call out the name of the country with their thunderous voice.

The National Day

December 17th is celebrated throughout the country as Gyal Yung Duechhen or National day. It was on this date in 1907 that the country was united under a central authority with the crowning of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary king of Bhutan.

The National Animal

The dong gyem tsey or takin is Bhutan's national animal for its uniqueness and strong association with the country's religious history and mythology. It is said that during his visit to Bhutan in the 15th century, the divine madman Lama Drukpa Kuenley was asked to perform a miracle. After devouring a whole cow and goat, he took the goat's head and stuck it onto the bones of the cow's body. On his command, this strange animal came to life and ran to graze on the mountainside. To this day, these animals resembling a cross between a gnu and a musk deer can be found grazing on herbs, shrubs and grass in north-western and far north-eastern Bhutan.
 

The National Bird

The Raven's face, which adorns the royal Crown, is a representation of Laygoan Jarog Dongchen who, along with Pal Yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala) and Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) constitutes the Divine Trinity, which perpetually safeguards the well being of the Kingdom and protects the King and subjects from adversity.

The National Flower

The blue poppy (Meconopsis grandis) is known as euitgel metog hoem in Bhutan. It was once considered to be myth because of its unconfirmed existence. Poppies are found along high mountain passes from the far eastern parts of the country across to the west.

 
The National Dress

The national dress of Bhutan is called the gho for men and kira for women. It was introduced during the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to give the Bhutanese a unique identity. In an effort to preserve and promote its cultural heritage, all Bhutanese are required to wear the national dress in government offices, schools and on formal occasions. The gho is a long robe hoisted to the knee and held in place with a kera, a woven cloth belt, wound tightly around the waist. This forms a large pouch above that may be used to contain particular items, traditionally a bowl and betel nut. The kira is a floor-length rectangular piece of cloth wrapped around the body over a blouse called wonju. The kira is held from the shoulders by broach-like hooks called koma and is fastened at the waist with a kera. The dress is complete with a short, open jacket-like garment called toego.

The National Tree

Cypress is found in the temperate climate zone, between 1800 and 3500 metres altitude. It has religious connotations. It is quite strong and tall with a clean bole and grows even on rocky areas. Its capacity to survive on such rugged harsh terrain is compared to that of the Bhutanese people in their bravery and simplicity.