Flag of the Kingdom of Bhutan (1971)
Druk-yul (Dzongkha)

The basic design of the flag of Bhutan has been in use since the 19th Century. 

Situated high in the eastern Himalayas between China and India, Bhutan managed to shut off the rest of the world until recent times.  

In 1959, China made claims on parts of Bhutan and, as a result of this, Bhutan strengthened its relationship with India and slowly 'announced' itself to the world.  

As part of this image building, Bhutan addressed all of its national symbols, including the flag. The lower half of the flag was changed from maroon to orange and the dragon was altered. 

The current flag design is from circa 1971. 

International recognition of Bhutan as a nation came when it became a member of the United Nations in September 1971.

The Symbolic Meaning

The yellow half of the flag is symbolic of the king and his role in affairs both of state and religion.
Orange is symbolic of the power and observance of Buddhism throughout Bhutan. White symbolizes purity and loyalty.  

The dragon is a significant symbol for several reasons. It represents the name of the country, where "druk" means dragon.  It also represents thunder which is often heard throughout Bhutan and is believed to be the sound of dragons.  

The dragon's mouth, said to be opened in a snarl, is symbolic of the strength to defend Bhutan, whilst the gemstones clasped tightly in its claws represent the prosperity and perfection of this small nation.