TIBET BBC

Tibet, the remote and mainly-Buddhist territory known as the "roof of the
world", is governed as an autonomous region of China.
Beijing claims a centuries-old sovereignty over the Himalayan region. But
the allegiances of many Tibetans lie with the exiled spiritual leader, the
Dalai Lama, seen by his followers as a living god, but by China as a
separatist threat.
International attention was focused on the territory in 2008 during the run-
up to the Beijing Olympics. Fatal clashes between anti-Chinese protesters
and the authorities in Tibet were given wide publicity and the torch relay
in London, Paris and San Francisco was dogged by pro-Tibet protests and
stunts.
Supporter or Tibetan independence in New YorkImage copyrightGetty
Images
Image caption
Tibet has supporters of independence around the world
Tibet has had a tumultuous history, during which it has spent some
periods functioning as an independent entity and others ruled by powerful
Chinese and Mongolian dynasties.
At-a-glance

Sovereignty: The Dalai Lama says Tibet was independent and has been
colonised. China says its sovereignty over Tibet goes back centuries.
What is Tibet? China considers this to be the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
Dalai Lama says it should include neighbouring provinces with Tibetan
populations.
Repression: Dalai Lama says 1.2 million people were killed under Chinese
rule. China disputes this.
Culture: Dalai Lama says China actively suppressed Tibetan identity. China
acknowledges some abuses but says it is helping the revival of Tibetan
culture.
Development: China says it has brought improvements in health and the
economy. Dalai Lama says development has favoured Han Chinese
immigrants.
International response: No country openly disputes China's claim to
sovereignty, and China has blocked all UN Security Council resolutions on
Tibet since the People's Republic took over the China seat in the UN in
1971.
The free-Tibet movement: The Tibetan cause has won the sympathy of
individuals and groups, many of whom campaign for an independent Tibet.
Profiles are compiled by BBC Monitoring
China sent in thousands of troops to enforce its claim on the region in
1950. Some areas became the Tibetan Autonomous Region and others
were incorporated into neighbouring Chinese provinces.
In 1959, after a failed anti-Chinese uprising, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet
and set up a government in exile in India. Most of Tibet's monasteries
were destroyed in the 1960s and 1970s during China's Cultural Revolution.
Thousands of Tibetans are believed to have been killed during periods of
repression and martial law.
China accused of repression
Under international pressure, China eased its grip on Tibet in the 1980s,
introducing "Open Door" reforms and boosting investment.
Beijing says Tibet has developed considerably under its rule. But rights
groups say China continues to violate human rights, accusing Beijing of
political and religious repression. Beijing denies any abuses.
Tourism and the ongoing modernisation drive stand in contrast to Tibet's
former isolation. But Beijing's critics say Tibetans have little say in building
their future.
China says a new railway link between Lhasa and the western Chinese
province of Qinghai will boost economic expansion. The link is likely to
increase the influx of Chinese migrants.
'Reincarnation'
Buddhism reached Tibet in the seventh century. The Dalai Lama, or Ocean
of Wisdom, is the leading spiritual figure; the Panchen Lama is the second
most important figure. Both are seen as the reincarnations of their
predecessors.
Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai LamaImage copyrightGetty Images
Image caption
Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has lived in exiled most of his life
The selection of a Dalai Lama and a Panchen Lama has traditionally
followed a strict process. But the Dalai Lama and Beijing are at odds over
the 11th incarnation of the Panchen Lama, having identified different
youngsters for the role. The Dalai Lama's choice, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima,
has not been seen since his detention by the Chinese authorities in 1995.
There have been intermittent and indirect contacts between China and the
Dalai Lama. The exiled spiritual leader advocates a non-violent, negotiated
solution to the Tibet problem and accepts the notion of real autonomy for
Tibet under Chinese sovereignty. China has questioned his claims that he
does not seek independence.
China has also accused the Dalai Lama of inciting the dozens of self-
immolations that since 2009 have taken place among Tibetans opposed to
Chinese rule. He rejects this and has questioned the effectiveness of such
protests.
Tibet's economy depends largely on agriculture. Forests and grasslands
occupy large parts of the country. The territory is rich in minerals, but poor
transport links have limited their exploitation. Tourism is an important
revenue earner.