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The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions, the mountains and forests of the North, the vast rice fields of the Central Plains, the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau, and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South. The country comprises 76 provinces that are further divided into districts, sub-districts and villages. Bangkok is the capital city and centre of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand's revered Royal Family. Fascinating native handicrafts and winter temperatures are sufficiently cool to permit cultivation of temperate fruits such as strawberries and peaches.
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Whatever your interest, you'll find very special states of happiness in Thailand. These range from sports to shopping, spa treatments, adventure excursions, dining, festivals, romance and good health. Watch the sun rise above the mist-filled valley or camp by the salt lick to observe natural animal behavior. Or paddle a small canoe through the wetlands to photograph migrating birds. Happiness comes naturally in the diverse national parks of Thailand. National Parks, in the sense of protected areas, play significant roles in maintaining ecological stability and preserving biological diversity. These protected areas also are excellent places for recreation and education. Up to now, the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department have established 122 national parks and 26 marine national parks. The national parks in Thailand cover a variety of environments. These include marine, island, coastal wetlands, inland wetlands, tropical rain forests and deciduous mountain forests.
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| Land area: |
197,595 sq mi (511,771 sq km)
Total area: 198,456 sq mi (514,000 sq km)
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Population:
(2006 est.) |
64,631,595 (growth rate: 0.7%)
Birth rate: 13.9/1000
Infant mortality rate: 19.5/1000
Life expectancy: 72.2
Density per sq mi: 327
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| Capital and largest city: (2003 est.) |
Bangkok, 6,320,174 (city proper) |
| Other large cities: |
Nonthanburi, 304,700
Chiang Mai, 175,500
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| Monetary unit: |
Baht |
| Languages: |
Thai (Siamese), English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects
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| Ethnicity/race: |
Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
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| Religions: |
Buddhist 95%, Islam 5%, Christian 1% (2000)
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Literacy rate:
(2003 est.) |
96%
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