States and Divisions
Chin State
Chin State is
va state of Myanmar. Its
capital is Hakha.
There are 14 townships in the Chin State: Cikha, Hakha, Falam,
Kanpalet, Matupi, Rezua, Mindat, Paletwa, Rihkhuadar,
Thantlang, Teddim, Tuithang and Tonzang.
Demographics
The Chin are made up of many sub-groups
which although historically related now speak divergent
languages and have different cultural and historical
identities. The name Chin seems to be an exonym given by the
Burmese and is of unclear origin - although 'basket' and
'friend' are the best contenders. These names are justified
respectively by the fact that 1. Chin are known for their
weaving skills and 2. they have been in trade relations with
the lowlands for many years.
Recently some Chin groups have claimed that their autonym 'Zo'
is the indigenous name for all Chin. This is not true however,
and each tribe has its own name, e.g. Asho, Lai, Hyou, Mizo,
Zomi, K'cho etc. These terms could well be cognates, but each
has its own pronunciation and sometimes its own meaning.
Because of this it seems unhelpful to chose the particular
pronunciation of one language to represent all of them.
The Chin form the majority of Chin State. Owing to
missionaries' work over the last hundred years, a great deal
of the population now identifies itself as Christian. A
sizeable minority however adheres to animist beliefs and
Theravada Buddhism.
For more cultural information about the Chin see: F.K. Lehman.
1963. 'The Structure of Chin Society; A Tribal People of
Burma Adapted to a Non-Western Civilization.' University of
Illinois Press.
|
Chin State
|
| Capital |
Hakha |
| Region |
Western |
| Area |
36,018 km˛ |
| Population |
473,000 (538,000 in
2005) |
| Ethnicities |
Chin, Bamar |
| Religions |
Christianity,
Buddhism |
 |
|
|
Business
in Myanmar
Profile
