17 Thrilling Facts about Tibet

First published 8th November 2020 Robin James

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Tibet is well-known for its incredible natural beauty and its rich Buddhist history – it has come under some controversy over the years with regard to its relationship with China, however, Tibet remains a mountainous, truly breath-taking region well worth enjoying. Here are some fun facts about Tibet that might just impress you.

1. The natural contrasts here are truly amazing.

Known as the rooftop of the world, the stunning Himalayas mountain range acts as a huge contrast to lush forests and desert areas. It’s a mountainous region quite like no other!

2. Ever been to an oxygen bar?

Due to the high altitude of much of Tibet, travelers sometimes have difficulty acclimatizing. Luxury hotels feature ‘Oxygen Bars’ to make guests more comfortable!

3. Fancy camping high up in the heavens?

The highest mountain in the world, Everest, is located here, with a base camp situated at 5,200 meters!

Flag of Tibet

4. A lot is exported out of Tibet!

Tibet exports grain, oil, fats, medicine, carpets, clothing, rubber footwear, and processed hair. Processed hair is used for making wigs and hairpieces.

5. However, they take a lot back, too!

Tibet’s imports include cars, machinery, and vegetable oil.

6. What’s Tibet’s main university?

Lhasa University is the educational core of Tibet and welcomes foreign students.
Popular subjects of study are the Tibetan language, music, fine art, and culture.

7. Tibet wasn’t always open to the world.

In the 1950s, Tibet was fairly isolated – hence why it is so fascinating historically!

8. Tibet’s monasteries are seriously important!

Tibetan monasteries still have a role in education as well as religious support and guidance. Traditionally they taught math, sciences, reading, and writing. Today, visitors are attracted to them as places of spiritual meaning and cultural influence.

9. UNESCO recognizes Tibet in a big way.

Two prominent world heritage sites are situated in Lhasa. They are the Norbulingka and the Potala Palace. They are both best known for being residences of the Dalai Lama.

Map of Tibet

10. Tibet’s natural resources are well-known.

Tibet has a plethora of natural mineral deposits. There are gold fields, plots of iron and lead, as well as titanium and arsenic.

11. Tibet and China’s relationship is fairly fraught.

Tibet became a part of the People’s Republic of China in the 1950s. However, this move has always proven to be very controversial.

12. What does TAR mean?

TAR refers to the Tibet Autonomous Region. You may see it referred to when people discuss Tibet in general.

13. Most people in Tibet are Buddhist.

Tibet is overwhelmingly a Buddhist country. A small percentage of 0.4% of its population are Roman Catholics with even fewer Muslims.12% of the current population are devout followers of Bon. Bon is the name of the religious precursor to Buddhism – this ancient religion is still keenly followed!

14. What do people earn in Tibet?

The currency of Tibet is the Renminbi. On a table of world currencies, the currency of TAR ranks in 8th position as the most traded world currency.

15. What’s the capital city of Tibet?

The capital of Tibet is Lhasa. It is also known as the capital of TAR.

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet

16. Water comes down a long way from Tibet’s peaks.

Believe it or not, up to 47% of people in the world are entirely dependent on Tibet’s freshwater supply – amazing!

17. Visiting at the start of the year isn’t always easy.

Tibet closes its borders, generally, across January and February. That’s because this is when the country and its citizens generally celebrate new year.