Tanintharyi

Tanintharyi is a state in southern Myanmar that stretches along the western coast of the country and borders Thailand to the south and the Indian state of Mizoram to the north. The state covers an area of approximately 43,000 square kilometres and is largely defined by its long oceanic coastline and the Tenasserim Range that runs parallel to the Gulf of Thailand. The terrain is dominated by low-lying plains in the south, gradually rising to hilly and mountainous areas in the north. Because of this varied topography the state enjoys a range of ecological zones from mangrove swamps in the delta region to tropical rainforest in the northern highlands.

The capital and largest town is Dawei, formerly known as Tavoy. Other notable towns include Sittaung in the central basin and Thaton on the coast. The state is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including the Bamar, Mon, and a number of hill tribes such as the Karenni and Kayah. The population is estimated at 1.7 million, with a median age that reflects a relatively young demographic profile.

Historically Tanintharyi served as a strategic maritime corridor linking the Burmese kingdoms with the southern Malay Archipelago. The region was incorporated into the British Burma colony in the 19th century and has remained a part of Myanmar since independence in 1948. Its economy is driven by agriculture, forestry, fishing and increasingly tourism. Coconut palm cultivation and rubber plantations are important commercial outputs, while the teak wood industry has long been valued for its export potential. The state also contains the third-largest hydroelectric project in the country, the Dawei High Dam, which supplies power to the regional grid. Tanintharyi is recognized for its diverse cultural heritage, annual festivals, and natural attractions such as the Myeik Archipelago and the Thac Chai beach, making it a growing destination within Myanmar’s tourism sector.