Tibet

Formerly under independent rule, Tibet is a region in central Asia, that has been under the administration of the People's Republic of China since 1951.

In March 2009, China once again put the region on high alert because of the 50th anniversary of the failed revolt in 1959. While the Chinese government blames the Dalai Lama on continued protests in the region, he has openly called for peaceful resolution to the conflict and autonomy of the region rather than independence.CNN: Tensions high on Tibet anniversary (March 8, 2009)

History

The mountainous terrain of Tibet, and the people's historical suspicion toward outsiders, had for many centuries allowed Tibet's political and religious institutions to operate largely unaffected by outside influence. Shortly after the Chinese annexation, Tibet's supreme religious and secular leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, has governed from exile in Dharamsala, India.

Tibet and Buddhism

A unique form of Buddhism has come from Tibet. It is a subset of Tantric Buddhism, and it has influence many aspects of Tibetan culture well beyond religion. Art, architecture, music, and cuisine are just a few aspects of Tibetan culture that have been influenced by Buddhism. This is largely due to the influence wielded by the Tibetan Monks and their leader, the Dalai Lama. Dalai Lamas have always been the spiritual leaders of the Tibet people, but at various times in their history, he has also been the head of the government.