Pa-An

   (Hpa-An)

   The capital of Karen (Kayin) State, with a population estimated at 59,078 in 1996. Located on the eastern bank of the Salween (Thanlwin) River, its inhabitants are Burmans (Bamars), Mons, and Muslims, as well as Karens (Kayins). Nearby is the monastery where the Thamanya Sayadaw resided until his death in November 2003.