Backgrounder: Xinjiang Ugyur Autonomous Region

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Xinjiang is located in China's far northwest. It borders eight countries, including Russia, India and Pakistan. Covering one-sixth of the size of China, Xinjiang is the country's largest provincial-level administrative unit by area.

Xinjiang is located in China's far northwest. It borders eight  countries, including Russia, India and Pakistan.

The Xinjiang Ugyur Autonomous Region was established on October 1st, 1955. Xinjiang has a diversity of ethnic groups. Figures show the largest ethnic group there is Uygur, accounting for over 45 percent of the region's total population. Han is the second largest group in the region, comprising nearly 40 percent. The third largest group is Kazak, making up about seven percent.