SHAN STATE

Shan State is located in the Middle Eastern part of Myanmar between 19^o 17'N and 24^o 13'N latitudes and 96^o 10'E and 101^o 11'E longitudes. It is bounded on the northeast by the People's Republic of China, on the southeast and south by Laos and Thailand, on the north by Kachin State, Sagaing and Karen State on the south.

Area & population

Shan as well as Paos, Palaungs, Dhanu, Was, Kaws, Lahus, Inthas, Myaungzi, Lishaws, Taungpyoes, Maingthas and many other more ethnic groups inhabit in this state. The population is about 3,718,706. The area is 60,155 square miles and the Capital is Taunggyi. Taunggyi Hot-air Balloon Festival is a popular festival among the locals.
The State is organized into 52 Townships and 1932 Wards. The State Day is 7th February.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the main economic activity of Shan State, principal crops being paddy, wheat, chili, cotton, potatoes, groundnut, sesame, pulses, tea and Virginia tobacco. Shan State's cold climate also allows cultivation of oranges, peaches, pears, damsons, apples, grapes, onions, pineapples, vegetables and Thanatphet Trees.
In order to further develop agriculture in Shan State, Heho Valley Irrigation Canal, Banyin Irrigation Canal, and many more irrigation systems.

Resources

Natural resources such as gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper, iron, tin, antimony, coal, tungsten and precious stones.

Nearby attractions

The cottage weaving industry of the Inle area in the southern Shan State is famous for the lotus robes. The famous Inle Lake is located in this part and it is a tourist attraction. The Inle Phaungdawoo Pagoda Festival is famous and there are boat race competitions of the one-legged rowers. Kakku Pagodas are ancient places of the Shan State. Pindaya limestone caves consists of thousands of Buddha images.

A Shan Couple