Myanmar Culture & NatureKAYAH STATE
LoikawThe 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.
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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. 
