Kayah State

Mateku Falls and Lawpita Falls on Balu-chaung are scenic beauties of Kayah State, which has a generally hilly topography. It is located between 18* 29' N and 19* 58' N latitudes, 96* 50' E and 97* 52' E longitudes, bordering Thailand on the east, Shan State on the north, and Karen State on the west and south.

Kayah State has an area of 4530 square miles. The State, whose capital is Loikaw, celebrates its State Day on 15th January. It is inhabited by Kayahs, Gekos, Gebas, Padaungs (or) Kayans, Bres, Manu-Manaus, Yindales, Yinbaws, Bwe, Paku, Shans and Paos.

The principal agricultural crop is paddy, though groundnut, maize, cotton, soya bean, sugar-cane, wheat and butter bean are also grown. The Forest Reserves of Kayah State produce such valuable woods as teak, pyinkako, ingyin, padauk, thitkado, thitya, pyinma, pine and yingat.

Antimony, pure silver, tin, tungsten and wolfram are found in Kayah State. Well known industries are Mawchi Mines, Lawpita Hydro-electric Power Station and Marble Works. The State also boasts of beautiful natural sceneries, idyllic lakes and wonderful natural caves.

Places of interest

• Taunggwe Pagoda
• Lawpita Falls
• Seven Step Pond & Htee Pwint Pond (Demoso)