Preface
　　On Oct. 1, 1955, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was established, opening a new chapter in the historical development of Xinjiang. The year of 2015 will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
　　Time flies and great changes have taken place in the world. A period of 60 years is merely a short instant in the long river of history. However, to the people of all nationalities of Xinjiang, the trials and hardships during the 60 years are really a glorious chapter worth recording.
　　Over the 60 years, especially during the reform and opening up, the people of all nationalities of Xinjiang, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, worked hard in unity and forged ahead with determination, they have not only established new amicable ethnic relations of equality, unity and mutual assistance, but also scored great achievements in the modernization construction, making splendid progress continually.
　　Over 60 years in Xinjiang, its national economy has grown rapidly, with comprehensive strength substantially increasing; the construction of infrastructures has achieved rapid progress, with investment and development environment improving daily; the opening to the outside world has kept on expanding, shaping a pattern of development and opening up in all dimensions; the urban and rural markets are flourishing, and the material and cultural living standard of the people has kept on improving; science and technology and education has got satisfactory results and all social undertakings are in flourishing development; development of socialist democracy and rule of law is in full swing, and cultural and ideological progress has been further promoted… Xinjiang today is thriving and flourishing, making progress every day.
　　To sum up the history of development of Xinjiang over the 60 years, we specially planned this book China Xinjiang Fact and Figures in 60 Years 1955-2015. This book presents the development and changes in Xinjiang on all dimensions such as politics, economy, society, people's livelihood, culture and environmental protection over the past 60 years, as a collection of data as well as for publicity. It is also an “epitome” of the glorious history of Xinjiang in the 60 years, providing a review for readers to learn experience and build up confidence at the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is our hope that Xinjiang will make persistent efforts and create greater achievements in its future development.