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The National Flag:
The rectangular national flag of Bhutan is diagonally segmented and depicts a white dragon across the middle. The upper part of the flag is golden yellow, which represents the secular power of the King, while the lower orange which is indicative of the Buddhist influence. The Dragon ( Druk in National Language) represents Bhutan: the Drukyul, the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon. The white Dragon represents the purity and loyalty of the people. The jewel in its claws represents the wealth and prosperity of the country and the people. The snarling of the mouth of the dragon expresses the strength of the male and the female protective deties of the country.


The National Emblem:
The National Emblem, contained in the circle, is composed of a double diamond thunderbolt placed above a lotus, surmounted by a jewel and framed by to dragons. The double diamond thunderbolt represents the harmony between the secular and religious power, which results from the Buddhist religion in its Vajrayana form. The Lotus symbolizes purity; the jewel- sovereign power ; and the two dragons, male & female stand for the name of the country- Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.


The National Tree:
C ypress (Cypresses corneyana), locally called Tsenden is associated with religious places. According to legend, this tree is believed to have grown from Guru Padmasambhava’s walking stick.
National Flower: Blue Popy ( Mecanopsis Grandis), locally called Euitpel metog hoem, is delicate blue and purple tinged bloom with a white filament growing in higher altitude.
National bird: Raven (Corvus corax Tibetanus). The tutelary god Mahakala took the form of a raven to guide the country’s unifier Zhabdrung to Bhutan. Raven (local name jarog) lent its name and features to the crawn of the King of Bhutan.


National Animal:
Takin locally called "Dong Gyem Tsey" is chosen as a national animal because of its uniqueness and its strong association with the country’s religious history and mythology. It is a clumsy heavy animal similar to gnu and musk ox. It lives in flocks in places 4000m high and feeds on bamboo. It weighs as much as 250 kgs.


National Language:
The National Language of Bhutan is Dzongkha.
National Day:
The 17th December is celebrated as National Day of Bhutan in commemoration of the accession of The First King of Bhutan Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk to the throne in 1907 at Punakha Dzong.


National Anthem:
(It became official in 1966 as roughly translated as:-)
In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom adorned with sandalwood,
The protector who guards the teachings of dual system,
He, the precious and the 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.


National Sport:
Archery, the national sport is played practically all year. Being a vital part of all festivities it is usually accompanied by a banquet. Spectators marvel at the dexterity of the Bhutanese and gasp at other members of a team who stand close to the target and sidestep the flying arrows with amazing speed.
Bows and arrows are made of special kind of bamboos. Two painted wooden targets 30 by 120cms are placed at each end of the range which measures 120m in length. The targets are used alternately. Two teams of 11 archers compete, each man shooting two arrows. The first team to get 33 points wins the match. There are three sets and the method of scoring is complicated because arrows landing within an arrow’s length of the target also counts.

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