Xinjiang Geographic Situation
新疆概况
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is located in the northwestern part of China, in the hinterland of Eurasia. Covering an area of more than 1.66 million square kilometers, it is the largest administrative division. Xinjiang is contiguous to the People's Republic of Mongolia,Russia, Kazhstan, Kirghizstan,Tadzhikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, with a boundary line of more than 5,400 kilometers, the longest in China.
Xinjiang has a typical continental climate, with sufficient sun- shine but little rainfall. It's yearly precipitation averages only 150 mm and desparity of temperature in the whole region is above 12c. The total population of Xinjiang is over 16.89 million, among which the minority nationalities are over 10 million, account for 62 of the total population, including Uygur, Hans, Kazarks, Huis, Mongols, Kirghizes, tajiks, Uzbeks, Tatars, Manshus, Russians,etc. Most of the minority nationalities believe in Islamism and this makes Xinjiang one of the main residential areas for Chinese Moslems.
Under Xinjiang Autonomous Region are five autonomous prefecture, eight prefectures, 3 cities under the direct jurisdiction of the region, 85 cities at county level, 11 regions under the direct jurisdiction of city. Urumqi is the cipital city.
* Five Autonomous Prefecture: Ili Kazark Autonomous Prefecture, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Bayangol Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, and Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture.
* Eight Prefecture: Turpon, Kumul(Hami), Aksu, Kashgar(Kashi) Hotan, Ili, Tarbagaty(Tachen), and Altay.
* Three Cities under the direct jurisdiction of the region: Urumqi, Karamay,Shihezi.