Do you know that Thailand was referred to as Siam until 1939? The nation of Thailand is situated within the tropics and covers well over 511,770 square kilometers of land and has 76 provinces or Changwat. Phasaa Thai is the national language of Thailand.

Do you know that Thailand has a population of 63 million people? The population is made up of 75% ethnic Thais, 14% Chinese and 1% immigrants from neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam and hill-tribes people.

Do you know that the bulk of the Thailand's population is concentrated in the mostly rural, rice growing communities in the Central, Northeast and Northern regions?

As a result of modernization of Thailand, many people decide to migrate to the bigger cities. Bangkok experienced the biggest population growth as compared to other cities.

Many years back, Thailand started a successful family planning program to reduce the population growth. So far it has been effective in reducing the growth from 3.1% to less than 1% currently. The typical life of the Thai individual is 72 years. However, it has been reported that 1.4% of the population are contaminated with AIDS and HIV.

Do you know that one of the most important industry in Thailand is tourism? Next to tourism, the economic system of Thailand also depends upon exporting computer systems and components, automobiles and automobile parts, textiles and rubber.

Do you know that Thailand alone has 5 UNESCO world heritage sites and 12 more sites were recommended to UNESCO to be deemed either as future world heritage sites? Their current sites are: Historic City of Ayutthaya and Associated Historic Towns, Thungyai - Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries, Historic Town of Sukhotai and Associated Historic Towns, Ban Chiang Archaeological Site and Dong Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex.

Do you know that Theravada Buddhism is the nationwide religion of Thailand? 85% of Thais practice Theravada Buddhism. Islam is the next major religion in Thailand. In some parts of Thailand, spirit worship and animism and Hindu-Brahmic rituals are also widely practiced.

Do you know that before 1932, Thailand has been a constitutional monarchy? The current King Bhumibol, King of Thailand, is the 9th ruler of the Chakri dynasty and is also referred to as Rama IX.

Do you know that a bloodless coup in 1932 by the military and a group of civil servants brought an end to the monarchy? Rama VII, King Prajadhipok, decided to step down.

In the current constitution, the elected national assembly, known as Rathasapha, has some 500 members of parliament and the House of Representatives. Thailand is led by a prime minister and 200 members of the Senate.

After the coup in 1932, Thailand was ruled by a series of military governments and democratic parties. Although, Thailand was considered a democratic country by then.

From year 2001 onwards, Thailand experienced a period of political unrest. In the latest development, an election in Thailand just ended in July 2011. Ms Yingluck, sister of the ousted former Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, Thaksin Shinawatra, won the elections. She could turn out to be the first female prime minister of Thailand. Until the situation in Thailand is fully under control, tourists are advice to stay away from Bangkok Thailand every time there is a protest.