Myanmar Cultural Groups: Difference between revisions

Myanmar is a union of many ethno-lingquistic groups.  135 groups have been recognized, each of which belongs to one of 8 general groups.  The largest general group are the Burmese with approximately 68% of the population, concentrated in the 7 central populous administrative divisions of the country.  The other 7 general ethnic groups each has its own state, although individuals are not compelled to live in any particular state.  The Shan (or Tai) with 9% of the population are primarily in the south and east near the Thailand border.  The Kayin (Karen) are in the southeast with 4% of the population.  The Rakhine (Arakan) populations located in the south-west near Bangladesh also have 4%.  The Mon (Talaing) have 2% of the population and are located in the south.  The Chin are in the west near India and Bangladesh with 2%.  The Kayah (Karenni) groups are in the east with 2%.  The Kachin (Jinghpaw) groups are in the north near China and India with 1%.  Ethnic Chinese constitute 3% of the current population.  Ethnic Indians constitute 2% of the population.  Other smaller groups constitute 3% of the population.<ref name="profile">The Family History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “Family History Record Profile: Myanmar,” Word document, private files of the FamilySearch Content Strategy Team, 2001.</ref>