Central Tibetan Administration

**An Overview of the Tibetan Government In-Exile** **Background** In 1949, the People's Liberation Army of China entered Tibet's northeastern regions of Kham and Amdo, initiating a forceful takeover of the country. This led to His Holiness the Dalai Lama fleeing to India and the suppression of the Tibetan National Uprising in March 1959. Following the Dalai Lama, around 80,000 Tibetans sought asylum in India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and the flow of refugees is still ongoing today. The current Tibetan exile community numbers over 145,150, with approximately 101,242 residing in India. On April 29, 1959, His Holiness the Dalai Lama established the Tibetan exile government in Mussoorie, a hill station in northern India. This organization, known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), serves as a continuation of Tibet's independent government. In May 1960, the CTA relocated to Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh. Tibetans, both within Tibet and in exile, recognize the Central Tibetan Administration as their rightful government. Moreover, the CTA is increasingly acknowledged as the legitimate representative of the six million Tibetan people by various parliaments worldwide. From its inception, the Central Tibetan Administration has focused on aiding refugees and advocating for Tibet's freedom. Education has been a primary focus of their rehabilitation efforts. In addition to providing support, the CTA has embraced modern democratic practices to prepare for a future free Tibet. Today, the Central Tibetan Administration operates as a fully-fledged government, embodying the principles of a democratic system.