Tibet

Quick Facts! “Autonomous Region” in China 471,000 sq miles Average elevation is 16,000 feet (highest region on the planet) Nickname “Roof of the World” It is rich in mineral resources but many have yet to be explored (for a multitude of reasons)

People Population is just over 2,000,000 (but may be more because of the increase in Chinese immigrants) Ethnic Tibetans make up a majority of the population Buddhism is the main religion of the region During the extreme Communist period in China, monasteries were destroyed and the practice of Buddhism was completely outlawed It is still strictly monitored (the Chinese govt. decides when, where, how many religious buildings will be constructed in Tibet…in addition, they monitor any ‘political activities’ occurring within those religious buildings)

Governing Powers Tibet is supposed to be controlled by native Tibetans but in actuality it is controlled by a Han Chinese and ruled by those in Beijing They are prohibited from displaying images of their most revered political and religious figure (the Dalai Lama) China has conquered and ruled Tibet on and off since the early 1900’s, it used to be an independent region and it still wants it’s own sovereignty from China There are reports of heavy human rights abuses against the Tibetans “Patriotic Education” classes (talk of monks being forced to take these classes to renounce the Dalai Lama and praise communist beliefs)

Self-Immolation This is growing in popularity among Buddhist monks in Tibet They are essentially setting themselves on fire to make a statement They do not think it’s against God’s will if done for the correct reason There have been increasing numbers of these in previous months to call other Tibetans to action against the oppressive Chinese government