National Symbols of Bhutan

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National Flag

Bhutan’s National Flag is divided diagonally: the upper diagonal is yellow and the lower orange. Separating the two diagonals is a white dragon facing away from the hoist side. Yellow signifies the secular tradition and authority of the King and orange the Buddhist spiritual tradition. The dragon represents the name of the kingdom: Druk Yul or Land of the Thunder Dragon. The dragon signifies purity and the jewels held in the dragon’s claws represent Bhutan’s wealth and security. The dragon’s snarling mouth symbolizes the Bhutanese guardian deities’ ferocious commitment to protect the nation.

National Sport of BHutan - Teem Travel Bhutan

National Sports

The national sport is the Archery (Dha). The bow and arrow play a significant role in many Bhutanese myths and legends; images of the gods holding a bow and arrows are considered especially favorable. Archery was declared the national sport in 1971 when Bhutan became a member of the United Nations. Bhutan also maintains an Olympic archery team. Archery tournaments and competitions are held throughout the country. Archery is played during religious and secular public holidays in Bhutan, local festivals (tsechu), between public ministries and departments, and between the dzongkhag and the regional teams.

National Bird

The national bird is the raven. It adorns the royal crown. The raven represents the deity Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven headed Mahakala), one of the chief guardian deities of Bhutan.It is believed that the deity took the form of a raven to guide and unify the country. It looks quite similar to the crow but the raven is much larger.

National Animal

The national animal is the Takin (Burdorcastaxicolor) that is associated with religious history and mythology.
It is a very rare mammal with a thick neck and short muscular legs. It lives in groups and is found above 4000 meters on the north-western and far north eastern parts of the country. They feed on bamboo. The adult Takin can weigh over 200 kgs.

National Flower

The national flower is the Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Gakyidiana) 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 Tree