Demographics
The people of Shan State can be divided into nine primary ethnic groups: the Shan, Pa-O, Intha, Lahu, Taungyo, Danu, Ta'ang, Arkan and Kachin.
The valleys and tableland are inhabited by the Shans, who in language and customs resemble the Thais, Dai, and the Lao. They are largely Buddhists and are mainly engaged in agriculture. Among the Shans live the Bamar, Chinese, and Karens. The hills are inhabited by various peoples, notably the Wa, who are numerous in the north and along the Chinese border. The Ta'ang People are numerous in the Northern Shan State, in Namkham, Muse, Namhpaka, Kutkai, and Lashio Townships along the Burma China Border and also in the middle of Shan State, in Namhsam, Kyaukme and ThibawTownships. The population of the Ta'ang people is over 100,000. Some of the Ta'ang people in Kalaw and Aungban in the Southern Shan State. There is a dwindling population of Anglo-Burmese in major hill stations, such as Kalaw and in Taunggyi, a hold-over from the colonial period. The Kachin People are numerous in the Northern Shan State, in Namkham, Muse, Namhpaka, Kutkai, Kawng Hka, Mungmyit Kodawng, Kengtung and Lashio Townships and along the Burma China Border. The Kachin people in Shan state is estimated over 200,000.
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