Sikkim

Sikkim, state in northeast India, located in the Himalaya Mountains, bordered by Tibet on the north, Nepal on the west, and Bhutan on the east. The altitude of the state ranges from sea level rain forests to Mount Kanchenjunga, at over 28,000 ft (8,530 m), the world's third tallest mountain. The capital city, Gangtok, is also the only significant town. The official religion is Buddhism, although many practice Hinduism. Major products of the country are agricultural, although there is some mining of copper, lead, and zinc. A Sikkim monarchy was established by neighboring Tibet in 1642 and lasted until Indian statehood (1975), functioning under British rule from 1861 to 1947.

See also: India.