Symbolism
The yellow half represents civil tradition and the authority of the King, while the orange half signifies the Buddhist spiritual tradition. The Druk (Thunder Dragon) is white for purity, holding jewels representing wealth and perfection.
History
First designed in 1947 by Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji. The dragon was initially green but later changed to white, and the shape was standardized in 1956.
Construction
A 2:3 ratio. Divided diagonally from the lower hoist to the upper fly, creating yellow (top) and orange (bottom) triangles with a white dragon across the dividing line.
Color Meanings
yellow: Civil tradition and the authority of the King
orange: Buddhist spiritual tradition
white: Purity and the Thunder Dragon (Druk)
Country Facts
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- 1956
- Designer
- Mayum Choying Wangmo Dorji
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 2
- Key Symbols
- Emblem, Animal
Influences
Thunder Dragon of Bhutanese mythology
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The dragon must be positioned across the dividing line
- The dragon must be white with jewels in its claws
Practice
Think you know the flags of Asia? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.