Sikkim stretches about 70 miles (113 km) from north to south and about 40 miles (64 km) from east to west. Its horseshoe-shaped mountain ranges offer no sizable level areas, and about two-thirds of the total territory of the state consists of perpetually snow-covered mountains without year-round human habitation. The major mountain group is that dominated by Khangchendzonga, which at 28,169 feet (8,586 m) above sea level is the highest mountain peak in India and the third loftiest in the world.

Within the mountain ranges on the east and west are deep valleys, of which the Tista River valley is the largest. Only in the south is the state not separated from its neighbours by a mountain wall, though a number of passes connect Sikkim with neighbouring areas. Much of the state forms the drainage basin of the Tista River, which drops from its source near the Chinese border about 15,700 feet (4,800 m) within its 65-mile (105-kilometre) course to Rongphu (Rangpo).

The climate varies with elevation and ranges from tropical in the low valley bottoms to Arctic-like conditions of perpetual snow and ice in the higher reaches. Depending on elevation and aspect, annual rainfall varies from 50 to 200 inches (1,270 to 5,080 mm), and snow in the upper levels often accumulates to a thickness of 100 feet (30 m). Sikkim is one of the most humid regions in the Himalayas, with most of its annual rainfall coming during the months of May through October.

Sikkim is rich in mineral wealth. Copper, lead, zinc, coal, iron ore, garnet, graphite, pyrites, marble, and steatite have been found in the state. Forests, which cover about one-third of Sikkim‘s area, have great economic value in sawn timber and wood pulp. Sikkim has a scattering of light and consumer-goods industries. The Sikkimese are noted for their cotton and wool weaving, carpets, rugs, blankets, and bamboo work. The Cottage Industries Institute offers instruction in these crafts, as well as in doll making, embroidery, ceramics, traditional scroll painting, handmade-paper preparation, and other arts.

Most of Sikkim‘s people-predominantly Hindus and Buddhists-live in villages in the central, western, and southern parts of the state. The land is uninhabitable in the far north. The villages consist of many hamlets of small homesteads scattered over the slopes of the hills. Until 1951 there were no urban areas. At that time Gangtok, the capital, was accorded urban status. Although other towns have since been designated urban centres, the greater part of Sikkim‘s urban population lives in Gangtok.

Agriculture is the basis of the Sikkim economy. On terraced slopes farmers grow corn (maize), paddy rice, buckwheat, wheat, and barley. Sikkim is one of the world‘s main producers of cardamom, and the region has also become an exporter of mandarin oranges, apples, and potatoes. Beans, cabbage, ginger, cauliflower, peas, and tomatoes are also grown. Domesticated animals-buffalo, yaks, sheep, goats, pigs, mules, ponies, and poultry-provide for a crude mixed farming that sustains a large number of people. Magnificent Flora and Fauna are another attractions of Sikkim.

Although road transport is the primary mode of travel, Sikkim has only about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) of roads. The state‘s cultural life is related to Tibetan religious and aesthetic traditions. The cultural climax of the year comes with the two-day Pang Lhabsol festival, when masked dances are performed in honour of Khangchendzonga, the presiding deity and the mountain. There are also many secular folk dances.