Tibet Autonomous Region (Xizang)

Translation "Western Buddhists"

Tibet (Xizang) Autonomous Region is situated on a mountainous plateau. The average elevation in northern Tibet reaches an average of 15,000 feet. Most of the people live in the river valleys where there is fertile soil. Nomads use the uplands and highlands for grazing. The Chinese government has moved many Han Chinese into Tibet but the native Tibetans remain poor. Infant mortality rates are among the highest in the world. Illiteracy levels are in excess of 50%. The Han Chinese run the majority of the businesses. The native Tibetans are much poorer than the recently settled Han who tend to dominate commercial activity.