National Emblem

The national emblem of Bhutan, contained in a circle, is composed of a double diamond-thunderbolt (Dorje) placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by two dragons. The thunderbolt represents the harmony between secular and religious power. 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." It's also known for its symbolic colors of the emblem with the gold, teal, red etc.

National Anthem of Bhutan
Druk Tsendhen ("The Thunder Dragon Kingdom") is the national anthem of Bhutan.
Adopted in 1953, the music is by Aku Tongmi and the words are by Dasho Gyaldun Thinley.

Original Bhutanese Lyrics:
Druk tsendhen
Druk tsendhen koipi gyelkhap na
Lug nyi ki tenpa chongwai gyon
Pel mewang ngadhak rinpo chhe
Ku jurmey tenching chhap tsid phel
Chho Sangye ten pa goong dho phel
Bang dey kyed nyima shar warr sho.

English Translation
The Thunder Dragon Kingdom of Cypress
In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, where cypresses grow
Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions,
The glorious King of Druk, precious soverign,
His being is eternal, his reign prosperous.
May the teachings of the Blessed one thrive and flourish!
May the sun of peace and happiness shine on the people!

Bhutan National Day:
BHUTAN'S National Day is celebrated today. It commemorates the ascension to the throne of Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan, in 1907.

National Flag of Bhutan.

The national flag of Bhutan consists of a white dragon over a yellow and orange background. The flag is divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner, making two triangles. The upper triangle is yellow and the lower triangle is orange. The dragon is centered along the dividing line, facing away from the hoist side.
The upper half of the flag, which is yellow in color represents the secular authority of His Majesty the King.
The lower orange half of the flag represents Mahayana Buddhism, the state religion.
The dragon running diagonally across the middle of the flag is no ordinary dragon. This is the Thunder Dragon, and the country takes its name from this dragon. The indigenous name of Bhutan is Druk Yul meaning the land of the thunder dragon. The color of the dragon is white, representing the 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 the deities expressed by the snaring mouth of the dragon.

National Game of Bhutan:

Out of variety of games, archery (dha) is the most popular and the most played game. Thus, it is the national game of Bhutan. It is played between two teams wearing traditional dresses and shooting at a small wooden target. Each time a member of the team hits the target the other team members sing and dance to celebrate.

National Bird.

The national bird is the Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus). It is locally known as Jarogi, and it was once a capital crime in Bhutan to kill one. Ravens are even known to nest in the walls of the nation's monasteries and dzongs. Bhutan's reverence for birds is even exhibited on the Royal Raven Crown of the Druk Gyalpo.

National Flower.

Blue poppy or Meconopsis grandis, which grows at high altitudes of the alpine meadows of Himalayas at the attitude of (3500 – 4000 m, is the national flower of Bhutan. Despite its pretty and delicate appearance the blue poppy has the power to endure harsh weather, especially winter, and blooms to its full beauty in spring.

National Tree.

The national tree of Bhutan is the cypress (Cupresses corneyana), or as it is locally known - Tseden. It is often associated with religious places. The Bhutanese identify with it, as it is straight and strong and can grow in inhospitable soil.

National animal:

The national animal is the Takin (Burdorcas taxicolor), an extremely rare bovid mammal of the ovine-caprine family. It lives in herds in the steepest and most thickly wooded declivities of native mountains at an altitude of 4,000 metres (over 13,125 feet), and eats bamboo. It can weigh as much as 250 kilograms (550 pounds). In summer, Takins form large herds (up to 300 at a time). They go into cover at midday and come out late in the afternoon. Locally they are known as Dong Gyem Tsey.

National Dress
The men wear a knee-length garment called ‘Gho’ which resembles the Scottish Kilt. The women wear a long robe ‘Kira’, which is wrapped around the body covering it from neck to ankle. Women usually wear heavy silver and gold necklaces with coral, turquoise and other precious stones. Rings and earrings decorated with pearls and turquoise are also popular.

National Language of Bhutan.
The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, which is widely spoken in western region. The eastern region of the country speak Sharchop, where as the people in the south speak Nepali.
English has been used as the medium of instructions in schools and institutes. You will get by comfortably if you speak English, as the langue is taught in schools in Bhutan. Many children in Bhutan tend to walk up to visitors, wave and say hi or hello. The Bhutanese are always thrilled when they meet visitors who try to speak their language. Here are some useful phrases.