Xinjiang

Xinjiang
Name	Xinjiang
Traditional	新疆
Simplified	新疆
Pinyin	Xīnjiāng
Capital	Ürümqi
Largest city	Ürümqi
Leader title	Secretary
Leader name	Ma Xingrui
Leader title1	Governor
Leader name1	Erkin Tuniyaz
Area	1,664,897.17
Population	25,890,000
Population as of	2020
Population density	15.5
GDP	1.379 trillion
GDP per capita	53,271

Xinjiang. Located in the northwest of China, it borders Mongolia to the east, Russia to the north, Kazakhstan to the northwest, Kyrgyzstan to the southwest, Tajikistan to the south, and Afghanistan and Pakistan to the southeast, as well as the Chinese provinces of Gansu and Qinghai to the southeast. The region is home to numerous notable cities, including Ürümqi, Kashgar, Aksu, and Khotan, and is traversed by the Tian Shan and Kunlun Mountains. The Tarim Basin and the Turpan Depression are also significant geographical features of the region, with the Taklamakan Desert covering much of the area.

Geography

The geography of the region is characterized by the presence of several major mountain ranges, including the Tian Shan, Kunlun Mountains, and the Pamir Mountains, which form the border with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The Tarim River flows through the Tarim Basin, which is surrounded by the Taklamakan Desert, and the Turpan Depression is a significant low-lying area. The region is also home to several notable lakes, including Lake Issyk-Kul and Lake Balkhash, which are located near the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. The Karakoram Highway and the Irkeshtam Pass connect the region to Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan, while the Torugart Pass connects to Kyrgyzstan.

History

The history of the region dates back to the Han Dynasty, when it was a major stop on the Silk Road, with cities like Kashgar and Khotan serving as important centers of trade and culture. The region was later conquered by the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan and his successors, including Kublai Khan and Timur. The Yuan Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty also exerted control over the region, which was later incorporated into the Qing Dynasty under the rule of the Manchu people. The region was also influenced by the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, with the Ili Rebellion and the Dungan Revolt being significant events in the region's history. Notable historical figures, such as Xuanzang, Marco Polo, and Sven Hedin, have traveled through the region, which is also home to several important historical sites, including the Mogao Caves and the Kizil Caves.

Economy

The economy of the region is driven by the production of natural gas, oil, and coal, with the Tarim Basin being a significant source of these resources. The region is also home to several major industries, including textiles, metallurgy, and chemicals, with companies like Sinopec and China National Petroleum Corporation operating in the region. The Kashgar Special Economic Zone and the Ürümqi Economic and Technological Development Zone are significant economic development areas, with investments from companies like Alibaba Group and Huawei. The region is also an important center for trade, with the China-Eurasia Expo and the Kashgar Central Asian Commerce and Trade Fair being major events. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Belt and Road Initiative have also played a significant role in the region's economic development.

Demographics

The demographics of the region are characterized by a diverse population, with several ethnic groups, including the Uyghur people, Kazakh people, Hui people, and Han Chinese. The region is also home to several notable cities, including Ürümqi, Kashgar, and Aksu, which are significant cultural and economic centers. The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is a major administrative division, with Erkin Tuniyaz serving as the current governor. The region is also home to several important institutions, including Xinjiang University and the Ürümqi Institute of Desert Meteorology. Notable individuals from the region include Nur Bekri, Abdurehim Heyt, and Dilnar Abdulla.

Politics

The politics of the region are complex, with the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region being a major administrative division. The region is governed by the Xinjiang People's Government, with Ma Xingrui serving as the current secretary of the Xinjiang Communist Party of China committee. The region has been the site of several significant events, including the Xinjiang conflict and the Ürümqi riots. The People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police have a significant presence in the region, with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps playing a major role in the region's development. The region is also home to several important institutions, including the Xinjiang People's Congress and the Xinjiang Higher People's Court.

Culture

The culture of the region is diverse, with several ethnic groups contributing to the rich cultural heritage. The region is home to several notable cultural events, including the Xinjiang International Folk Song and Dance Festival and the Ürümqi Silk Road International Arts Festival. The Uyghur language and the Kazakh language are significant languages spoken in the region, with Mandarin Chinese also being widely spoken. The region is also home to several important cultural institutions, including the Xinjiang Museum and the Ürümqi Museum. Notable cultural figures from the region include Abdurehim Ötkür, Kurban Tulum, and Tahir Yüksel. The region's cuisine is also unique, with dishes like laghman and kebabs being popular, and the Xinjiang grape being a significant product. The Naan bread and the Shashlik are also popular in the region, which is home to several important cultural sites, including the Id Kah Mosque and the Afaq Khoja Mausoleum.

Category:Regions of China