SUMMARY

The strategically important Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region is the largest provincial unit in China and borders several countries. Uighurs is the largest ethnic group in the province, but during the last decades, the Han Chinese population has increased rapidly from a few percent to about 40 percent. Many Uighurs complain of discrimination and want larger degree of autonomy. Official figures point to higher unemployment and poverty rates for the Uighurs compared to ethnic Han Chinese.

Most Uighurs are Muslim and their language is related to Turkish. The economy in the region mainly revolves around agriculture and trade.

Uighur has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.