Shan

Shan refers to an ethnic group and a region in Southeast Asia, as well as the language they speak. The Shan people are a Tai-speaking ethnic group primarily located in eastern Myanmar, especially in Shan State, with communities in neighboring countries such as Thailand, Laos, and China, and in diaspora communities around the world. They are part of the broader Tai ethnolinguistic family and are closely related to the Thai and Lao peoples. The Shan language belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family and is written in the Shan script, which is derived from the Burmese script.

Most Shan people practice Theravada Buddhism, with minority communities following Christianity, Islam, or traditional beliefs. Cultural traditions vary among subgroups and can include Buddhist festivals, music, dance, and distinctive textiles.

Shan State is the largest state by area in Myanmar, located in the eastern part of the country and bordered by China, Laos, and Thailand. Its capital is Taunggyi. The region encompasses mountainous terrain and border areas, with a long history as a collection of semi-autonomous Shan States. These principalities were incorporated into British Burma and later into the modern state of Myanmar.

In the post-independence era, the Shan have been involved in political and military developments that include periods of conflict and ceasefires with the central government, and movements seeking greater autonomy or recognition within Myanmar.

See also: Shan State; Shan people; Shan language.