Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) Division

   One of Burma's 14 states and divisions, with an area of 35,139 square kilometres (13,567 square miles) and an estimated population in 2000 of 6.8 million (1983 census figure: 4,994,061). The divisional capital is Bassein (Pathein), and the division is divided into five districts (Bassein, Henzada [Hinthada], Ma-U-Bin, Myaungmya [Myoungmya], and Pyapon) and 26 townships. It is bounded on the north by Pegu (Bago) Division, on the northwest by Arakan (Rakhine) State, and on the east by Rangoon (Yangon) Division. The coastal region is formed by the delta of the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River. The mostly flat land is formed by alluvium from the Irrawaddy River. Well watered and fertile, it is a major producer of rice; pulses, beans, oil seeds, and groundnuts are also grown. Fresh and marine water fisheries, mangrove forests, and jute are economically important. Irrawaddy Division is a major source of ngapi, a paste made from fish or shrimp that is a staple of the Burmese diet. Ethnically, Burmans (Bamars) form the majority of Irrawaddy Division's population, although there is also a large population of Karens (Kayins), who are known as "Delta Karens," and smaller groups of Arakanese (Rakhines), Chins, and people of Indian and Chinese ancestry. Ancestors of the Delta Karens migrated from their native hills along the Thai-Burma border to what is now Irrawaddy Division in the 19th century, after the British opened up the land for rice cultivation. Although many Karens assimilated to Burmese culture, language, and religion, the Delta Karens, especially the Christians among them, played a leading role in developing Karen identity and "nationhood" during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After Burma became independent, Irrawaddy Division was a site of the 1949 Karen National Union insurgency.