Demographics
Thailand's population is relatively homogeneous. More than 85% speak a dialect of Thai and share a common culture. This core population includes the central Thai (33.7% of the population, including Bangkok), Northeastern Thai (34.2%), northern Thai (18.8%), and southern Thai (13.3%).

• Country name: Kingdom of Thailand
• Capital Name: Bangkok
• Population: 65,493,298
• Nationality: Thai
• Languages: Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional dialects
• Ethnic Groups: Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%

Economy
With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, and generally pro-investment policies, Thailand appears to have fully recovered from the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis. The country was one of East Asia's best performers from 2002-04. Boosted by strong export growth, the Thai economy grew 4.5% in 2007. Bangkok has pursued preferential trade agreements with a variety of partners in an effort to boost exports and to maintain high growth. By 2007, the tourism sector had largely recovered from the major 2004 tsunami. Following the military coup in September 2006, investment and consumer confidence stagnated due to the uncertain political climate that lasted through the December 2007 elections. Foreign investor sentiment was further tempered by a 30% reserve requirement on capital inflows instituted in December 2006, and discussion of amending Thailand's rules governing foreign-owned businesses. Economic growth in 2007 was due almost entirely to robust export performance - despite the pressure of an appreciating currency. Exports have performed at record levels, rising nearly 17% in 2006 and 12% in 2007. Export-oriented manufacturing - in particular automobile production - and farm output are driving these gains.

• GDP (purchasing power parity): $519.4 billion (2007 est.)
• GDP - real growth rate: 4.8% (2007 est.)
• GDP - per capita (PPP): $7,900 (2007 est.)
• Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.2% (2007 est.)
• Exports: $151 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
• Imports: $125 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Government
Thailand's government structure has undergone gradual evolution in response to the changing environment. Despite the preservation of the kingdom's monarchical system, established over 700 years ago, Thailand have become one of Asia's strongest democracies in a relatively short period of time. It has a check-and-balance system similar to that of any Western democracy, with a Prime Minister as the head of government.

• Administrative divisions: 76 provinces (changwat, singular and plural); Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon.
• Legal system: Based on civil law system, with influences of common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
• Constitution: Constitution signed by King PHUMIPHON (BHUMIBOL) on 24 August 2007
• Independence: 1238 (traditional founding date; never colonized)

References
Royal Thai Government - Official Website
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) - The World Factbook
Nation Master - World Data Center
The Library of Congress - Country Studies
Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia
Lonely Planet - Travel Guidebook