Bhutan's King and Queen
His Majesty, the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was extremely popular even before he married a commoner, Jetsun Pema. His family line has welcomed the throne for the past 100 years. He is the fifth ruler in his family to take possession on the crown. Bhutanese admire and love the royal family.
National Flower
The national flower of Bhutan is the Himalayan Blue Poppy or Euitgel Metog Hoem. This unique flower grows above tree level on rocky mountain regions.
State Religion
The official religion is Vajrayana Buddhism. Bhutan is the last kingdom to practice Vajrayana Buddhism. The teachings allow one to embody both mind and body. You will reach enlightenment if you follow and understand the concepts of emptiness, wisdom, compassion, and skillful means.
National Animal
The Takin, or gnu goat is Bhutan's national animal. It lives in forested areas in mountain areas of 4,000-meter altitudes and above. Takin’s have a stocky body on short legs with two-toed hoofed feet. It has a long nose and stout horns. These animals feed on bamboo, grass, leaves, and other plants. Takin are rare, therefore they are an endangered species.
National Sports
Archery became Bhutan's national sport in 1971. Although only men were allowed to play during festivals, tournaments, and religious celebrations, Tshering Choden was the first female archer to be asked to enter into the Summer Olympic Games.
National Carrier
Bhutan's national carrier is Drukair. Established in 1981, The Royal Bhutan Airlines, Drukair began as a small, single-strip airline company. As interest to Bhutan grew, so did the airline. There are 3 airports in Bhutan, which include Paro, Bumthang, and Gelephug. The airline now operates out of 6 countries and 12 cities. Drukair connects flight to and from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Kathmandu, Nepal, Bangkok, Thailand, and Singapore. Drukair also travels to Bagdogra, Delhi, Gaya, Kolkata, and Guwahati, India. Drukair has a professional team that provides quality, reliability, and safe travel for both domestic and international flights.
Bhutan Language
The official language in Bhutan is Dzongkha. Bhutanese also speak Tshanglakha and the Lhotshamkha. Tshanglakha is spoken in the western region of the country and Lhotshamkha is used by the southern Bhutanese. There are at least 19 dialects of Dzongkha that are spoken all over Bhutan. Most of the people that are in the tourism industry speak English. English is the medium of instruction in Bhutanese schools.
Bhutan Currency
Ngultrum (NU) is Bhutan's currency. Until the 1960's, Bhutanese bartered goods and services because there was no paper money. Today, in addition to ngultrum, you can use Indian rupees at different shops and restaurants around the country.