Tibet became a unified nation in the 3rd century. King Song-tsen Gampo was the first ruler of the entire Tibetan nation. He expanded Tibet to much of what it is like today and made Lhasa the official capital. During his reign in the 7th century Song-tsen married two princesses, one Chinese and one Nepali. They are both credited with introducing Buddhism to Tibet. Song-tsen and his heirs were successful in protecting Tibet from the Chinese and the Mongols and bringing Buddhism to the religious forefront of Tibet. 26

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The capital city of Lhasa with Potala, with the Dalai Lama's palace, on the hill.

Tibetan Government
Tibet became a theocracy in the late 17th, early 18th century with the Dalai Lama as the head of government (civil officials held power as well). Although the Dalai Lama's authority is absolute in theory, he is constrained by Buddhist customs and the secular administration. In the times when the Dalai Lama is still a child the regent becomes the head of the state. There is also a National Assembly, Tsongdu, that is called to order in times of crisis. 28

Tibetan Economy
The Tibetan economy is mostly agriculturally based. They use a subsistence growing system due to the poor soil and the rigorous climate. The main crops are barley, millet and buckwheat. Livestock is also very important, especially yak and sheep. There were no major road ways in Tibet until 1951, so yaks were the main source of transportation. Sheep wool was also one of their only exports. They had to import rice, textiles, brick tea, silk brocades and chinaware. 29