Background: Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

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The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was established in 1955. It lies in the Northwest China and covers an area of over 1.6 million square kilometers, acounting for more than a sixth of China's total territory. There are 47 ethnic groups now living in Xinjiang.

The investment in infrastructure has transformed the once remote  frontier area into one of the country's most advanced transport  networks.

From 1955 to 2000, Xinjiang received sizable financial support from the central government. Subsidies totaled close to 88-billion yuan, or nearly 13-billion US dollars.

By 2004, Xinjiang had 860,000 kilometers of highway. 15 new railway lines are now under construction. By 2010, the region will have 4,000 kilometers of railway. The investment in infrastructure has transformed the once remote frontier area into one of the country's most advanced transport networks.