Nepal and Bhutan

Human Geography: South Asia

Chapter 25-3

Mountain Kingdoms

Relative location: Nepal and Bhutan are located in North of India. Both countries are located in the Himalayas.

Geographic Isolation

• The geographic feature of Nepal and Bhutan is their mountainous landscape. They are landlocked. It makes invaders difficult to invade because of the mountains.

Evolving Monarchies

• They have a constitutional monarchies. It means the ruler’s power are limited by a constitution.

• Constitutional monarchy is a form of government in which a king or queen acts as Head of State.

Developing Economies

• Both Nepal and Bhutan are poor countries with economies based on agriculture. The deforestation is a problem because their forests are being cut down.

Increasing Tourism

• Nepal has the growing industry of tourism. The tourists in Bhutan offers the same industry but it regulates the tourism industry and allows only limited number of visitors.

Mix of Peoples

• Various ethic groups in the Himalayan region, Majority are Indo-Nepalese

Religious Customs

• Religion is a powerful force in Nepal and Bhutan. Buddhism has deep roots in Nepal. Buddhism was born to present day Nepal and India.

The Arts and Recreation

• Folk art and festivals are important to Himalayans. People in costumes do elaborate dances based on religious story.

Summary of Culture

• Religion seems to be a very big part of their culture.

Vocabulary Terms

• Constitutional Monarchy- Kingdoms in which the ruler’s power are limited by a constitution.

• Sherpa- Traditional mountain guides from the high Himalayas.

• Siddhartha Gautama- The founder of Buddhism, known as the Buddha.

• Mandala- Geometric designs that are symbols of the universe and aid in meditation.