Tibet Autonomous Region

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Everest North Face toward Base Camp Tibet Luca Galuzzi 2006 edit 1

IMG 1565 Yamdrok Tso

NamTso scene

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Tibet-6048 - Largest Sitting Maitreya Buddha

Chinese army moving from Golmud to Lhasa

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TibetanPlateau

Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), often simply referred to as Tibet, is an autonomous region located in the southwest corner of the People's Republic of China. It was established in 1965, replacing the earlier administrative division known as the Tibet Area. The region covers an area of over 1.2 million square kilometers and is home to some of the world's highest mountains, including Mount Everest, which it shares with Nepal. Tibet is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, and its unique natural landscapes.

Geography

Tibet is characterized by its high altitude, with an average elevation exceeding 4,500 meters (14,800 ft). The region is bordered by the Himalayas to the south, the Karakoram range to the west, and the Tanggula Mountains to the north. Its topography is dominated by the Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as "the Roof of the World". The plateau is a vast, arid landscape interspersed with mountain ranges and large lakes, including Lake Namtso and Lake Manasarovar.

History

The history of Tibet dates back over 2,000 years, with a complex narrative that includes periods of independence and times of foreign domination. The introduction of Buddhism from India in the 7th century played a significant role in shaping Tibetan culture and society. Over the centuries, Tibet was ruled by a series of Buddhist governments, most notably the government of the Dalai Lamas, spiritual leaders who also held temporal power.

In the early 20th century, Tibet experienced a brief period of de facto independence before coming under the control of the People's Republic of China in 1951. The subsequent decades have been marked by efforts to preserve Tibetan culture and identity, amidst significant political and social changes.

Culture

Tibetan culture is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which permeates nearly every aspect of life. Monasteries and temples, such as the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, the region's capital, are central to religious practice and community life. Traditional Tibetan art includes thangka paintings, music, dance, and a rich literary tradition that encompasses both religious and secular texts.

The Tibetan language is the official language of the region, with several dialects spoken across different areas. Traditional Tibetan medicine, which combines elements of Indian, Chinese, and indigenous practices, remains an important aspect of healthcare.

Economy

The economy of Tibet is one of the least developed in China. It is primarily based on subsistence agriculture, with barley, wheat, and yaks being among the main agricultural products. In recent years, there has been significant investment in infrastructure development and tourism, which has become a growing sector of the economy. The Chinese government has also promoted the development of the mining and energy sectors, exploiting the region's rich deposits of minerals and hydropower potential.

Political Status

The political status of Tibet remains a contentious issue. The Chinese government asserts that Tibet has been part of China since the mid-13th century, while many Tibetans and their supporters advocate for greater autonomy or independence. The Dalai Lama, who fled to India following a failed uprising in 1959, continues to be a prominent figure in the Tibetan independence movement, although he has called for a "Middle Way" approach that seeks autonomy rather than independence.

See Also

• History of Tibet
• Geography of China
• Tibetan Buddhism
• Human rights in Tibet