Myanmar Cultural Groups

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Myanmar

Cultural Groups

Myanmar is a union of many ethno-lingquistic groups. 135 groups have been recognized, each of which belongs to one of eight general groups. The largest general group are the Burmese with approximately 68% of the population, concentrated in the seven central populous administrative divisions of the country. The other seven 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.