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