Land boundaries: total 2,926 km, China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km
Coastline: 0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims: none; landlocked
International disputes: none
Climate: varies from cool summers and severe winters in north to
subtropical summers and mild winters in south
Terrain: Terai or flat river plain of the Ganges in south, central
hill region, rugged Himalayas in north
Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydroelectric potential,
scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper, cobalt, iron ore
Land use: arable land: 17% permanent crops: 0% meadows and pastures: 13% forest and woodland: 33% other: 37%
Irrigated land: 9,430 sq km (1989)
Environment:
current issues: the almost total dependence on wood for fuel and
cutting down trees to expand agricultural land without replanting has
resulted in widespread deforestation; soil erosion; water pollution
(use of contaminated water presents human health risks)
natural hazards: severe thunderstorms, flooding, landslides, drought,
and famine depending on the timing, intensity, and duration of the
summer monsoons
international agreements: party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change,
Endangered Species, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical
Timber 83, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Law of the Sea, Marine
Dumping, Marine Life Conservation