Tibet A plateau region
Tibet a plateau region north of the Himalayas. It is an autonomous region of China. It is metaphorically described as the Roof of the World for it is the highest region on earth. The area lies at an average elevation of 4,900 meters above sea level. It has a total population of 3.18 million (census Dec 2014) and occupying an area of 1.25 million km², about the size of Western Europe. Geographically, It shares borders with India, Kashmir, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, and Myanmar in the south and west. Within China, it abuts Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan provinces to the north, east, and south.
Ecosystem of Tibet
The ecosystem of Tibet endowed with numerous breath-taking natural landscapes and sceneries. For example, the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, along with the Yarlung Zangbo River. It is one of the deepest and longest canyons in the world. The world’s top 10 tallest peaks are here. There are many must-sees and hugely sacred sights located in Tibet. The famous sites are the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery and Ganden Monastery. Climatically, it is severely dry nine months of the year, and low temperatures are prevalent. The environment is harsh with little vegetation, especially in northern areas.
History of Tibet
Since the seventh century, Tibet has historical records. It is when a unified Tibet came into existence under the then ruler of the 33rd Tibetan King, Songtsan Gampo. The recorded history owes much to the fact that a written standard script came into existence. Which was devised by Thonmi Sambota, who is traditionally regarded as the inventor of the Tibetan script. Full of mysteries and legends, there are five major phases in Tibetan history. These are: 1) The Primitive Historic Phase; 2) The Tsenpo Phase; 3) The Decentralisation Phase, 4) The Sakya, Pagdru and Tsangpa Kingdom Phase; and 5) The Ganden Podrang Phase.
Economy of Tibet
The economy of Tibet largely bases on the primary sector of agriculture. It much subsistence-based, with some level of extraction of raw materials. The main crops grown are barley, wheat, buckwheat, rye, potatoes, and assorted fruits and vegetables. Due to limited arable land, the primary occupation is raising livestock, such as sheep, cattle, goats, camels, yaks, and horses. The secondary or manufacturing sector is not dominant. The service sector is becoming increasingly an important pillar of the economy. Tourism is becoming a significant source of revenue.
Religion of Tibet
The Tibetans have developed a distinct religion (what many describes as the Science of Mind) cultures. It has strongly been influenced by the local Bon religion and Buddhism. In the hearts of the Tibetan people, respect for nature is considered to be the key or the foundation of a healthy and happy life. Moreover, taking refuge in the “Three Jewels of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha”, appreciation and a sense of gratitude to parents and respect for teachers, doctors and the elders.
Tradition and Cultures of Tibet
Tibet is blessed with amazingly rich arts and crafts, architecture and music, and festival traditions. These are all reflective of a rich cultural heritage of local roots as well as influence from the trans-Himalayan region. Every Tibetan takes strong pride in for these. In many respects, Tibet is synonymous with the image of Shangri-La and exoticism of a mystical land gifted with remarkable natural landscapes, deeply devout people, and rich culture.
