Mountain kingdoms

Geographic Isolation The main geographic feature of Nepal and Bhutan is… - mountainous landscapes. Each country consists of a central upland. -ridges and valleys leading up to mountains, with a small low land area along the Indian border. The rugged landscape of Nepal and Bhutan has isolated the countries throughout their histories.

Evolving monarchies Evolving Monarchies *Nepal And Bhutan were split into small religious kingdoms or ruling states. - Hindu kings ruled in Nepal - Buddhists controlled Bhutan *The countries were led by hereditary monarchy.

Developing Economies Limited Resources They are poor countries with economies based mainly on agriculture. Farm plots are small, soils are poor, and erosion is a problem. Timber industry is very important. Nepal's forests are being cut down at the rate of 1 percent a year.

Developing Economies Increasing Tourism The fastest growing industries in Nepal is tourism To the valley Kathmandu, the capital, to climb the Himalayas

Rich Cultural Traditions Mix of Peoples Nepal has more than 26 million people which is made up of over 40 different races and tribes. Indo-Nepalese Hindus are a majority of the people in Nepal. They speak Nepali which is Sanskrit and ancient Indo-Aryan language. The main ethnic group in Bhutan is Bhote. Sherpas are a cultural group that live in the East in the Himalayas and they are traditional mountain guides of the Everest region. Their major occupations are agriculture and animal husbandry. Animal husbandry is the breeding and caring for farm animals. Tamangs are a cultural group that live in valleys or middle hills. In Tibetan language Tamang means horse traders. Most of the Tamangs live in the hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley. Their social practices and customs are based on Buddhism and they have their own language, Tamang. They work as farmers, laborers, and porters. Tharus’ are the largest and oldest cultural group that live in the Terai region close to forests. Their complexions and dark and they have skinny, but healthy bodies. They’re Hindu and their practices are based off of many Aryan practices. Farming and business are their major occupations. Just like the Tamangs they speak their own language.

Rich Cultural Traditions Religious Customs Buddha was the founder of Buddhism and was born in the sixth century B.C. Buddhist teachings were originally taught in Nepal until it was later replaced by Hinduism. There are five types of animals, always male, that are sacrificed for their religion. They are chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, and water buffalos. Cows can’t be sacrificed because they are considered sacred animals. The five major religions in Nepal are Hinduism, Buddhism, Tantrism, Islam, and Christianity. Both Hinduism and Buddhism are influenced by the beliefs and practices of Tantrism. Tantrism is a religion of moral percepts, meditation, yoga, and mantras.

Rich Cultural Traditions The Arts and Recreation Folk Art and festivals are the most important in their Himalayan culture. Artisans, which is a skilled craftsperson, make many things such as swords, bells, and sculptures. They can also weave colorful patterns using silk, cotton, and wool. In festivals, the musicians play songs using the flutes, drums, and horns. While they play they’re wearing costumes and dancing based on religious stories. Bhutan is known for their archery competitions which goes back to the ancient times where Bhutanese warriors were the best arches of the Himalayans. Holi is a spring festival, also known as the festival of colors or the festival of love. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival that they do every year. Holi signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the end of winter. The date for Holi is different every year and is based off of the Hindu calendar. Most poetry is memorized and can be recited by heart.

Vocab. Constitutional Monarchy- Kingdoms in which the rulers powers are limited by a constitution Sherpa- People from the high Himalayas are the traditional mountain guides of the Everest region Siddhartha Gautama- Founder of Buddhism Mandala- Geometric designs that are symbols of the universe and aid in meditation