Tibet Facts

2.5 million sq. km.

Capital

Lhasa

Population

6 million Tibetans and an estimated 7.5 million Chinese, most of whom are in Kham and Amdo.

Language

Tibetan (of the Tibeto-Burmese language family). The official language is Chinese.

Staple Food

Tsampa (roasted barley flour)

National Drink

Salted butter tea

Typical Animals

Wild yak, Bharal (blue) sheep, Musk deer, Tibetan antelope, Tibetan gazelle, Kyang (wild ass), Pica

Typical Birds

Black necked crane, Lammergeier, Great crested grebe, Bar-headed goose, Ruddy shel duck, Ibis-bill

Average Altitude

14,000 ft. (4,250m)

Highest Mountain

Chomo Langma (Mt. Everest) 29, 028 ft (8,848m)

Average Rainfall

Varies widely. In the west it is 1 mm in Jan. to 25 mm in July. In the east, it is 25-50 in Jan. and 800 in July

Average Temperature

July 58 degrees fahrenheit; Jan. 24 degrees fahrenheit.

Major Rivers

Mekong, Yangtse, Salween, Tsangpo, Yellow

Economy

Tibetans: predominantly in agriculture and animal husbandry. Chinese: predominantly in government, commerce and the service sector.

Currency

Chinese Juan

Provinces

U-Tsang (Central Tibet), Amdo (N.E. Tibet), Kham (S.E. Tibet)

Bordering Countries

India, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, China

National Flag

Snow lions with red and blue rays. Outlawed in Tibet.

Political And
Religious Leader

The 14th Dalai Lama. In exile in Dharamsala, India. However, in Tibet It is illegal for Tibetans to own a picture His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

Government In Exile

Parliamentary

Government

Communist

Legal Status

Occupied