Search

The Online Encyclopedia and Dictionary

 
     
 

Encyclopedia

Dictionary

Quotes

   
 

Mon State

Mon State is an administrative division of Myanmar, formerly Burma. It is located on the western coast of the Taninthayi Coastline, facing the Andaman Sea. Its capital is Mawlamyaing , formerly Moulmien.

Demographics

Although there are no modern figures on the population that lives in Mon State, it is estimated that the majority are Burmese. However, there is a large minority of Mons who still live in the area. Many are isolated and about half of the Mons do not understand or speak Burmese. The Mons have formed a political group called the New Mon State Party (NMSP), in an attempt to create another country for the Mons between Thailand and Myanmar.

Sites of Interest

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

A famous religious site in Mon State is the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda , a steeple built on a gold leafed rock that stands alone with no support of a cliff. Legend says that Buddha's hair was placed inside the pagoda, and its power is keeping the rock from falling.

Mawlamyaing

Mawlamyaing, the capital of Mon State is a considerably large down located at the basin of the Thanlwin (Salween River). The town has a tropical climate, and shows signs of former British imperialism. However, the town’s colonial buildings show many signs of dilapidation.


Last updated: 05-16-2005 20:51:25