The flag of Bhutan is divided diagonally yellow (actually saffron yellow) over orange, and shows in the middle – above all – a white dragon looking to the waving end of the flag. The Tibetan word for Bhutan is "Druk Yul", what means "Dragon Empire". The flag goes back to an initiative of the king in 1949. The first version was square, diagonally divided yellow over red and the dragon was green. In the 50s of the 20th century, the dragon was oriented towards the flagpole so that it faces the wind and the aspect ratio of the flag was adjusted to 3:4. In 1969 changes were made to the flag. The dragon is now looking away from the flagpole again, and the red in the flag has been replaced by orange and the aspect ratio of the flag has been adjusted to 2:3. The dragon holds a sphere in each of its fangs and represents the universe. That sphere, which the dragon holds up a little, is supposed to be the globe, and on some representations even flames burst out of it. Saffron yellow stands for the secular power of the king, and orange red for the spiritual power of Buddhism. The white color embodies cleanliness and honesty.
The national coat of arms of Bhutan was redesigned in 1980. It shows a vajra-wheel, a symbol that stands for impenetrability, indissolubility, indivisibility, indestructibility and enlightenment. The wheel is protected by two dragons. They each stand for the secular and spiritual authority. Below the wheel, between the dragons, is placed a lotus flower, a Buddhist emblem. The gemstone "Umbrella" is shown above the wheel. According to other sources, this figure is a parasol, even a Buddhist symbol, but this interpretation is probably a somewhat unfortunate literal translation of the word "umbrella".
Early Middle Ages · The region is inhabited by the people of Thepu, formation of a Hindu principality which comes under the rule of Tibet. By mixing of Thepu and Tibetans formes the people of the Bhutia
8th century · penetration of Buddhism
12th century · Buddhism is the state religion
1189 · foundation of the monastery Druk Seva Yangchoobling
1557 · The chieftain of the Bhutia, Shabdung Rimpoche Nawang Namgyal, takes over the power and founds the State of Bhutan, which is defended fiercely against Tibet
1592 · death of Shabdung Rimpoche Nawang Namgyal, laizistic separation of the power under a secular and a spiritual ruler
The name "Bhutan" is derived from the Sanskrit words "Bhota" and "Anta". "Bhota" is the ancient Indian name for Tibet, "Anta" is the End (in the sense of Boundary). Bhutan is: "The Boundary of Tibet." The Bhutia call their country "Druk Jul", which means "Dragon's Empire". The country's name derives from the name of the monastery "Druk Seva Yangchoobling", that was at the time of the creation of the state the administrative center of the country.
