Kayah (Karenni) State

   One of Burma's 14 states and divisions, with an area of 11,733 square kilometers (4,530 square miles), making it the smallest state and the second smallest of Burma's regional jurisdictions. The population was estimated at 266,000 in 2000 (1983 census figure: 168,429). The state capital is Loikaw. Kayah State contains two districts (Loikaw and Bawlake [Bawlakhe]), subdivided into seven townships. Topographically, the state is part of the Shan Plateau, and the Salween (Thanlwin) River bisects it in a roughly north-south direction. Ethnically diverse, it is home to Karennis (Kayahs), Burmans (Bamars), Karens (Kayins), and Shans.

   During the British colonial era, Kayah State's territory comprised five Karenni states-Kantarawadi, Bawlake, Kyebogyi, Nawngpalai, and Nammekon-which in 1875 entered into a "subordinate alliance" with the British Indian government. These states were not considered part of Burma, but independent, and their entry into the Union of Burma was only recognized with the agreement signed at the Panglong Conference of 1947. The Constitution of 1947 guaranteed it the right of secession after 10 years. Originally known as "Karenni State," the present name was adopted in 1951.

   Kayah State is bordered on the north and northwest by Shan State, on the west by Karen (Kayin) State, and on the east by Thailand. It is well endowed with forest resources, and tin and tungsten are mined at Mawchi. The Baluchaung hydroelectric plant, built with Japanese war reparations, provides Rangoon (Yangon) with electric power, although it is in poor repair, resulting in periodic blackouts.

   See also Karenni National Progressive Party; Karenni States.