Bhutan is a small landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas that borders China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Sharp elevation variations define its terrain, with subtropical lowlands in the south and steep snow-capped peaks in the north, including the world's tallest unclimbed mountain, Gangkhar Puensum. The country's central area, which is dominated by wooded mountains, rocky hills, and beautiful valleys, is home to the majority of the people as well as significant cultural hubs including Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha.
Bhutan is one of the world's most biodiverse and environmentally protected countries, with over 70% of its land covered by forests. The land is nourished and a diverse range of plants and animals are supported by two major rivers, Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu, which originate from the Himalayan glaciers. As one of the last great Himalayan sanctuaries, Bhutan has managed to preserve its natural beauty and cultural traditions thanks in large part to its difficult terrain.