Chin State - Demographics

Demographics

Chin State has a population of about 518,144 and a population density of 37 persons per square mile on December 12, 2006.

The Chins are made up of many clans, which although historically related now speak divergent languages and have different cultural and historical identities. Some consider the name Chin seems an exonym, given by the Burmese and of unclear origin. These names are justified respectively by the fact that Chin are world known for Loyalty to the Masters and were well-known for their weaving skills and have been in trade relations with the lowlands for many years. The term "Zomi" represents one dialect group who once upon a time live together in a Ciimnuai Area represents Tedim, Tonzang,Haimual, Cikha, Tamu and Lamka people while the term "Laimi" is the most common name for Falam, Haka(Hakha) and Thantlang.

Even though there is no common language in Chinland, Lai language is used as main communication languages in most parts of Haka,Thantlang and Falam habitat area of the Chin State. As Hakha and Falam dialects are from Tibeto-Burman dialect and 85% of the phonetic and accent are exactly the same, people from Falam can easily communicate with Hakha language and vice versa.

Chin peoples are called by different names such as Laimi,Zomi, Lusei, Kuki,and others based on their own different dialects.The Chin peoples escaped to Burma and then moved around until they reached the high-lands of the then Lairam, now the 'Chin States', Manipur, Nagaland, Assam (all three in India), Mizoram, Bangladesh, even until the Nepal land (the Gurkha ram). Therefore, though 'Chin' is not included in their word, each tribe of Chin peoples has its own name, e.g. Laimi,Zomi, Cho, These terms could well be cognates, but each has its own pronunciation and sometimes its own meaning. According to the record of Zam Sian Sang, Gualnam who'd surveyed the Seasons and Population of the called Chin Nationalities during the years 2004-2007 with the 'Chin Survey' Researched team, the Different combination of all Chin peoples and their populations are as follows:

1. In Sagaing Division

  • Zomi (427800 + )
  • Laimi (Haka, Thantlang, Falam), Zomi (Tedim, Tonzong)
  • Lushai (5000 -/+ )
  • Paite (2100 -/+)
  • Kuki (5000 -/+ )
  • Matupi (3000-/+)
  • Asho (40000 -/+ ), they live mostly in the lowlands and mixed with Burmans.

2. In Chinland

  • numbered 500,000 in population.
  • Plain Chin (340000 + ) all along the Chin States and in India.

3. In India (Census of India 2011)

  • Chin(tedim) (1500 + )
  • Lushai (1000000 -/+ )
  • Kuki(220000 -/+ )

No one can say the exact population of Chin whilst they are dispersing in rush since the past 50 years even. Besides, the number of Chins in Chin State has been decreasing at a rapid rate due to migration since early 2000s for economic and political reasons. Economically, making a living is getting much harder due to rapid population increase and unsustainable agricultural practice of Slash and Burn agriculture. Politically, since early 1990s, a large number of Burmese soldiers began moving into Chin State because there have been movements of rebellion. It is estimated that from Falam region alone, approximately 100,000 have moved to other parts of Burma and a significantly large number has gone to neighboring countries of India, Malaysia and Thailand since year 2000. From Hakha and Thantlang regions, no less than 100,000 people have migrated to Malaysia, India and other parts of Burma. This phenomenon of emigration of a large number of people is true for other townships in Chin State, with the exception of Mindat, Kanpetlet and Paletwa, three of the most isolated towns in Chin State. Since early 2000, a large number of chins living and working both legally and illegally have been resettled as refugees in third countries including Australia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Netherland, Canada, United States and New Zealand with the United States taking in the largest numbers of them.

The Chins use the word 'Salai' indicates 'Mr.' (Mister) and 'Mai' as 'Miss' since early 1970s under the leadership of Salai Tin Maung Oo. Though the Hakha of ethnic Chin use 'Leng' as Miss and 'Val' as Mr. The Tedim ethnic group use 'Tang' as 'Mr' and 'Lia' as 'Miss'. Matu use 'Mang' and 'Tuem' for (Matu woman)and 'Pu' and 'Pi', and 'Pa' and 'Nu', are used commonly for elderly Chin and Chin leaders such as Pu Hrang Thio (famous for is courageous in the nation wide). The title of 'Pu' is a term of respect, failure to use it where it might be expected may be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. The word 'Pi' is used to address elderly Chin women. Different tribes also practice different ways in naming people.

Owing to missionaries' work over the last hundred years, a great deal of the population now identifies itself as Christian. A sizable minority, however, adheres to Theravada Buddhism and also Animism.

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