"Tibet today is one of the most repressed and closed societies in the world."
- Senator Robert Menendez, Chair of US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, 2012
China invaded Tibet in 1950. Inside its borders and across the world, Tibetans have never stopped believing Tibet is a nation.
After more than 60 years of occupation, Tibetans still resist China's rule and defy its oppression.
The facts about Tibet:
1. One million dead
More than one million Tibetans have died as a result of China's occupation.
2. Wiped off the map
Under occupation, Tibet has been divided up, renamed and incorporated into Chinese provinces.
3. How to get tortured
China uses torture and fear to try to maintain its grip on Tibet.
4. Tibetans outnumbered
There are now more Chinese people in parts of Tibet than Tibetans: Tibetans may become a minority in their own country.
5. Power from Tibet
Tibet's rivers supply fresh water to billions of Asia's people. Its natural resources prop up China's global power.
6. Religion devastated
China has closed 99% of Tibet’s monasteries, jailed thousands of monks and banned Dalai Lama images.
7. Freedom denied
Tibet is one of the 12 most repressed countries in the world (Freedom in the World report 2016).
8. A people without power
Over 100 countries have been freed from outside rule in the time that Tibet has been occupied.
9. Tibet will be free
Despite decades of brutal occupation, Tibetans have never stopped resisting China’s rule.
Watch an introduction to Tibet:
Read more about:
How Tibetans are protesting
Human rights issues in Tibet
Tibet’s history, religion and culture
