Tibet

Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas, in the People’s Republic of China. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang and Lhobas and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people. It is the highest region on earth, with an average elevation of 4,900 meter.

Prior to Songtsan Gampo, the kings of Tibet were more mythological than factual, and there is insufficient evidence of their existence. It is traditionally considered that Songtsan Gampo’s first wife was the Princess of Nepal, Bhrikuti, and that she played a great role in establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. Under the next few Tibetan kings, Buddhism became established as the state religion.

The economy of Tibet is dominated by subsistence agriculture, though tourism has become a growing industry here in recent decades. The dominant religion is Tibetan Buddhism. Bon, which was the indigenous religion of Tibet before the arrival of Buddhism in the 7th century, is also followed. Tibetan Buddhism is a primary influence on the art, music, and festivals of the region.