Chin State

   One of Burma's 14 states and divisions, with an area of 36,019 square kilometers (13,907 square miles), and an estimated population in 2000 of 480,000 (1983 census figure: 368,949). The state capital is Haka (Hakha) (formerly, the capital was Falam). Chin State contains two districts (Falam and Mindat), subdivided into nine townships. The topography is characterized by rugged hills and deep valleys, and its highest point is Kaw Nu M'htung, which has two peaks over 10,000 feet high. Two important rivers, even though they are not navigable, are the Manipur and the Kaladan. Chin State is bounded on the east by Sagaing and Magwe (Magway) Divisions and on the south by Arakan (Rakhine) State. To the west, it has a long border with India and a shorter one with Bangladesh, which have been the sites of some insurgent activity.

   Ethnically, the Chins, who are subdivided into six major tribal groups and a much larger number of tribal and linguistic subgroups, are the majority, although there are some Burmans (Bamars) and Nagas; Arakanese (Rakhines) live in the southern part of the state. Croplands are not extensive because of the mountainous landscape, and shifting cultivation (taungya) is widespread. The region is heavily forested. The transportation and communication infra structure is poorly developed. Between independence in 1948 and implementation of the Constitution of 1974, Chin State was known as the Chin Special Division.