Xinjiang (Sinkiang)

{sin-jeeang}

Xinjiang (Sinkiang) is an autonomous region in northwestern China.  
Formally named the Xinjiang Uygur (Sinkiang Uighur) Autonomus 
Region, it is the largest and the least populated administrative 
division of the country, with an area of 1,646,800 sq km (635,855 
sq mi) and a population of 13,081,681 (1982).  The region borders 
Mongolia, Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.  The capital 
is Urumqi (Urumuchi).

Surrounded by some of the world's loftiest mountain ranges--the 
ALTAI and Tarbagatay on the north, the KARAKORAM, PAMIRS, and 
Kunlun on the south, and the TIAN SHAN (Tien Shan) on the west--
Xinjiang also contains some of the lowest and driest areas of 
China, particularly the TAKLI MAKAN DESERT (Takla Makan) and the 
Tarim Basin.  The climate is continental in the north but 
relatively mild in the south;  precipitation is minimal, 
especially in the desert areas.  Where rainfall permits, herders 
graze large numbers of sheep, cattle, and horses, and wheat, corn, 
and cotton are grown.  Fruits and vegetables are cultivated in 
desert oasis.  Deposits of iron, coal, petroleum, and tungsten are 
of commercial importance. About a third of the population is 
Chinese, the majority being UIGHUR and KAZAKH.

Xinjiang, which was long known as Chinese Turkistan, has been 
ruled variously by the Chinese, local Uighur warlords, Mongols, 
and Kalmyks.  The SILK ROAD between China and the Middle East 
crossed the region.  Xinjiang became a province in 1884, although 
its remote location hindered China's control. Xinjiang was made an 
autonomous region in 1955.

John E. MacDonald