KAYAH STATE

Kayah State is one of the seven states of Myanmar, situated in eastern Myanmar, sharing border with Shan State in the north, Kayin State in the west and south and Thailand in the east. Its capital is Loikaw (also spelt Loi-kaw). The estimated population in 1998 was approximately 207,357, according to UNICEF. It is inhabited primarily by the Karenni ethnic group, also known as Red Karen or Kayah, Sino-Tibetan people. Ethnographers classify anywhere from seven to ten ethnic groups (not including ethnic sub-groups) as native to Kayah State. In addition, Shan, Intha, and Bamar live in the north and Pa-O in surrounding hills. Each group is also known by more than one name. Kayah State has theoretical tourist potential. The state has rugged mountains, river streams, lakes and waterfalls; however, transport and communication are difficult. At present, Kayah State is open to outsiders by permit only, which can be obtained through travel agents.

Loikaw

The capital of Kayah State, located near the State's northern tip, at an elevation of 1,200 meters. The inhabitants are mostly Kayah (Karenni). Myanmar's largest hydropower plant built by the Japanese as war reparation is located 20 km east of Loikaw at Lawpita Falls.