In pictures: Modern Tibet

As part of a series from Tibet, the BBC's Michael Bristow has compiled a series of photographs of everyday life in this remote mountain region.

Outside towns and cities, people mostly rely on farming to survive.

Tibetans grow crops or herd animals, such as cows and yaks. Common crops include barley, potatoes and turnips.

A few years ago, watermelons were introduced to the region and now seem to be the summer fruit of choice. Farmers sell them directly from roadside stalls.