Map of Historic Tibet

Historic Tibet is about the size of Western Europe. It consists of a high plateau surrounded by some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. Tibet is rich in mineral resources. The climate is dry with temperatures ranging from very cold in the mountains to mild in the valleys. The Tibetan people share the same language, customs, and religion. Before the 1950 Chinese invasion, Tibet was ruled by a theocracy. The Dalai Lama, trained as a Buddhist monk, was both the spiritual and political leader of this country which remained isolated from the world. 

Part of When the Iron Bird Flies: The Decline of Tibet exhibit