National Flag of Bhutan: History, Meaning & Symbolism

03 Jul 2026

National Flag of Bhutan: History, Meaning & Symbolism

Explore the rich history, deep meaning, and symbolism of Bhutan's national flag, and how it embodies the nation's heritage and identity.

The flag of Bhutan is one of the most striking national flags in the world, divided diagonally into two triangles of yellow and orange with a white dragon at its centre.

The yellow half represents the secular authority of the King, while the orange half symbolises the Buddhist spiritual tradition. The dragon — Druk, the Thunder Dragon — gives Bhutan its name in the local language: Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

The jewels held in the dragon's claws represent the wealth and prosperity of the nation, while its snarling mouth expresses the strength of the deities protecting Bhutan.

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