1. National Emblem of Bhutan
Bhutan’s national emblem is contained in a circle, and 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 represents 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.” The symbolic colors of the emblem; gold, teal, red also have a special significance.
2. Bhutan National Day:
BHUTAN’S National Day commemorates the ascension to the throne of Ugyen Wangchuck, the first king of Bhutan, in 1907. It is celebrated every year on 17th December.
3. National Flag of Bhutan.
Consisting of a white dragon over a yellow and orange background, the national flag of Bhutan is divided diagonally from the lower hoist side corner, making twin 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. Bhutan’s prosperity and excellence are symbolised by the jewels clasped in the dragon’s claws, protected by the strength of the deities expressed by the dragon’s open mouth.
4. National Game of Bhutan
In Bhutan, archery (dha) is one the most popular games. 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.
5. National Bird.
Bhutan’s national bird is the Raven (Corvus Corax Tibetanus). Locally known as Jarogi, it was once a capital crime in Bhutan to kill a Raven. This rare species of bird is even known to nest in the walls of the nation’s monasteries and dzongs. Bhutan’s love for birds is displayed on the Royal Raven Crown of the Druk Gyalpo.
6. National Flower.
Bhutan’s national flower is 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 complete splendor during the spring months.
7. 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 local Bhutanese folk identify with it, as it is straight and strong and can grow in inhospitable soil.
8. National animal
Bhutan’s national animal is Takin 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, the Takins group themselves into large herds (up to 300 at a time). They go into cover at midday and come out late in the afternoon. In local lingo, these are also known as Dong Gyem Tsey.
9. National Dress
In Bhutan, the local 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 quite well-liked.
10. National Language of Bhutan.
The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha that is widely spoken in western region. The eastern region of the country speak Sharchop, where as the people in the south speak Nepali.
at the same time, English as a language is 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, and greet them The Bhutanese are always thrilled to meet foreigners speaking their language.