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Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

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The Drought Atlas of Sikkim

Sikkim is a state in northeast India with a land area of 7,096 km2 and borders Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal. It is located at latitude 27°31’58.7″N and longitude 88°30’43.98″E. The state of Sikkim is known for its rugged landscape, which is found in the Himalayan highlands. The state is almost entirely hilly, with elevations varying from 280 meters (920 feet) in the south at the border with West Bengal to 8,586 meters (28,169 ft.) in northern peaks near Nepal and Tibet. Because of the steep, precipitous slopes, the terrain is mostly unsuitable for agriculture. Some hill slopes, on the other hand, have been transformed into terrace farms. East Sikkim, North Sikkim, South Sikkim, and West Sikkim are the four districts of Sikkim. Winter, summer, spring, autumn, and monsoon season are the five seasons in the state. The climate in Sikkim varies from subtropical to tundra in the north. The majority of Sikkim’s inhabited areas have a temperate climate, with summer temperatures rarely topping 28 °C (82 °F). The average yearly temperature in much of Sikkim is around,18°C(64°F).