ABOUT BHUTAN

The national flag of Bhutan consists of two main colors: yellow and orange, with a white dragon standing in the center of the flag. This dragon symbolizes strength and protection for the country.

The yellow color represents wealth and prosperity in Buddhism, as well as the authority of the king.

The orange color signifies the pursuit of Buddhist knowledge and spiritual practice.

The white dragon, positioned in the center of the flag, represents the strength and protection of the nation. In Bhutanese culture, the dragon is a symbol of defense and sustainability.

Bhutan continues to strongly preserve its traditional culture and customs, such as wearing the national attire: the "Gho" for men and the "Kira" for women. Additionally, there are festivals that showcase traditional dance arts and religious performances, which are an integral part of daily life in Bhutan.

Bhutan is the only country in the world with provisions in its constitution that focus on the strict protection of the environment. It is also one of only two countries worldwide with a Carbon Negative status, as it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits. Additionally, Bhutan's laws mandate that at least 60% of the country's land area remains covered by forests permanently, in order to maintain the balance of nature and environmental sustainability.

Bhutan adheres to the philosophy of "Gross National Happiness" (GNH), a development concept initiated by His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating the happiness of the people, alongside the conservation of the environment and culture for long-term sustainability.

Bhutan's borders remained closed to the outside world until 1974, the year when foreign media were allowed to cover the coronation of the previous king. Prior to this, Bhutan had isolated itself in order to protect its pristine nature and Buddhist culture from the effects of globalization.

In Bhutanese society, it is a tradition for families to pass on property to their eldest daughter rather than to the eldest son. Additionally, after marriage, the husband moves into the wifes family home, reflecting the respect and importance placed on women within the local culture. The restrictions on the use of television and the internet in Bhutan were lifted in 1999, providing the public with the opportunity to experience the outside world while preserving their unique identity and culture.

In Bhutanese cuisine, chili is an essential ingredient. It is not just a seasoning, but also a staple vegetable that cannot be missed in meals. Bhutanese food is renowned for its natural spiciness, and it is believed that a dish is incomplete without the right level of heat.

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, does not have a single traffic light. People travel cautiously and courteously on the roads, and there has been no major issues. When the authorities attempted to install traffic lights, the public strongly opposed it, leading to the quick removal of the lights and the deployment of traffic police instead.

Flying to Paro requires navigating through high peaks and strong wind currents in certain weather conditions, as the destination is located in a deep valley. Therefore, traveling along this route is considered a unique and unforgettable experience in Bhutan.

The walls of some houses in Bhutan may be adorned with colorful depictions of male genitalia. These images are not merely decorative but are part of a tradition that symbolizes fertility and good fortune. They are often used as substitutes for scarecrows, as it is believed that they can ward off evil spirits and bring happiness to the household.