Top 5 facts: Himalayan living
1. Himalayan inhabitants
50 million people live among the mountains, with a further 450 million living along the base.
2. Extra land
In a process called ‘terracing’, people often make steps in the mountainside to increase flat land area used for growing crops.
3. Dung patties
In some villages, yak dung is dried into patties and used as fuel for fires.
4. Nature appreciation
Today and historically, many communities living in the Himalayan mountains and foothills view their unique surroundings as their protector and provider of all life. Many living in harsh environments are also dependant on nature and greatly respect it.
5. Thriving tourism
Over 700,000 tourists travel to the Himalayas every year. This 60 per cent increase since the 1990s has provided locals with more jobs, but is also negatively impacting the environment through pollution and deforestation.
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