Tibet in Exile at a Glance

Tibetan Refugee Settlements in the Indian subcontinent

Soon after the first refugees started coming to India, the Department of Home was established to coordinate the immediate relief assistance for them and to find a long term solution for the resettlement of refugees. The resettlement of refugees also involves providing basic amenities and adequate source of livelihood.

Towards the end, the Department of Home has established 52 major and minor Tibetan settlement in India (35), Nepal (10) and Bhutan (7). the interests of these settlements are looked after by welfare officers. The settlements are primarily assisted by the Government of India and other voluntary aid organizations.

There are 35 Tibetan Refugees settlements in India, and are based either on agriculture or Agro industries or Handicrafts.

In Exile

Population: Approximately 111, 170 (Approximate worldwide distribution: India 85,000, Nepal 14,000, Bhutan 1,600, Switzerland 1,540, Rest of Europe 640, Scandinavia 110, USA and Canada 7,000, Japan 60, Taiwan 1,000, Australia and New Zealand 220 (Based on Tibetan Demographic Survey of 1998, Planning Council, Dharamsala)

Constitution: Charter of the Tibetans in Exile

Judiciary: The Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission is the highest judicial organ of the CTA, and is headed by the Chief Justice Commissioner (CJC) and two other Justice Commissioners, all of whom are nominated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama for final approval by the Assembly.

Legislature: Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) with 46 members (43 elected directly by the exile population and three appointed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama). The term of office is five years.

Executive: The Kashag (Cabinet) is the apex executive body. The executive chief is elected directly by the exile population for a term of five years. He/she nominates other members of the Kashag and seeks approval for their appointment from the Assembly of Tibetan People's Deputies.

Major NGOs: Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women's Association, Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, National Democratic Party of Tibet.

Foreign Missions: Based in New Delhi, New York, Geneva, Tokyo, London, Canberra, Paris, Moscow, Pretoria and Taipei.

Livelihood: Sweater-selling business, agriculture, agro-industries, handicraft exports, service sector.

Education: Total school enrolment is 85 to 90 percent of school age.

For more info, visit Tibetan Government in Exile site here.