By exploreodisha.in 
National animals often symbolize a country’s heritage, culture, and identity. While some nations choose majestic creatures like lions or eagles, others have opted for animals that are unusual, rare, or even mythical. Here are five countries with some of the strangest national animals in the world.
1. Scotland – The Unicorn 🦄
Scotland stands out as one of the few countries with a mythical creature as its national animal. The unicorn has been a symbol of purity, power, and untamed freedom in Scottish folklore for centuries. This legendary beast appears in Scotland’s royal coat of arms and reflects the country’s historical struggle for independence. The unicorn’s mythical strength and ability to resist being tamed made it the perfect emblem for the fiercely independent Scots.
2. North Korea – Chollima (Winged Horse) 🐎✨
Another nation with a mythical creature as its national symbol is North Korea. The Chollima, a winged horse from East Asian mythology, is said to be so fast that no rider can mount it. North Korea adopted this legendary steed to represent the country’s rapid progress and resilience, especially after the Korean War. The Chollima Movement, inspired by this mythical horse, encouraged citizens to work hard to rebuild the nation.
3. Australia – The Emu and Red Kangaroo 🦘🐦
While the kangaroo may seem like a logical choice for Australia’s national animal, the inclusion of the emu makes it particularly unique. The reason behind selecting these two animals is fascinating—neither can walk backward easily. This symbolizes Australia’s forward-thinking mentality and continuous progress. Additionally, both animals are native to Australia and are deeply embedded in Aboriginal culture and history.
4. Bhutan – The Takin 🐂🐏
The small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has an unusual national animal: the Takin. This rare and odd-looking creature looks like a mix between a goat and an antelope. According to Bhutanese legend, the Takin was created by a famous Buddhist saint, Drukpa Kunley, who magically combined the head of a goat with the body of a cow. Found mainly in Bhutan’s mountains, the Takin represents the country’s spiritual heritage and unique biodiversity.
5. Belgium – The Manneken Pis 🚶♂️💦
Belgium has one of the most bizarre national symbols—the Manneken Pis, a statue of a small boy urinating into a fountain. Unlike other countries that chose animals, Belgium selected this humorous and historic figure as a representation of the nation’s rebellious and free-spirited nature. The statue, located in Brussels, dates back to the 17th century and has become an enduring symbol of Belgian humor and resilience.
Final Thoughts
While many nations have powerful and traditional animals representing their identity, these five countries have embraced creatures—both real and mythical—that stand out for their uniqueness and symbolism. Whether it’s Scotland’s unicorn, North Korea’s Chollima, or Belgium’s Manneken Pis, these strange national animals add an extra layer of intrigue to their respective countries’ cultural heritage.
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