Location and Size: Landlocked between China and India; total land area 46,500 square kilometers.
Topography: Rugged, mountainous, snowcapped or glaciercovered terrain in north, part of Himalayas; high mountains in center, southern spurs of Himalayas; foothills and subtropical plains in south. Highest point Kulha Gangri (7,554 meters). Numerous, rapidly flowing rivers largely unnavigable, but provide water for irrigation and hydroelectric-power generation.
Climate: Varies with altitude. Year-round snow in north, heavy monsoon rains in west, drier but temperate central and eastern areas, humid and subtropical in south.
Data as of September 1991