The Himalayas stretch across six countries in South Asia and formed due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The mountain range experiences earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and floods that endanger human life. While tourism, industry, farming, and hydropower generation provide some economic benefits, they can also damage the fragile environment through pollution, erosion, and habitat destruction. Settlement is challenging due to the extreme climate and difficult terrain.