Arakan State

Rakhine State ( ; , ; ), formerly known as Arakan State, is a state in Myanmar (Burma). Situated on the western coast, it is bordered by Chin State to the north, Magway Region, Bago Region and Ayeyarwady Region to the east, the Bay of Bengal to the west and the Chattogram Division of Bangladesh to the northwest. It is located approximately between latitudes 17°30' north and 21°30' north and longitudes 92°10' east and 94°50' east. The north–south Arakan Mountains or Rakhine Yoma separate Rakhine State from central Myanmar. Off the coast of Rakhine State there are some fairly large islands such as Ramree, Cheduba and Myingun. Rakhine State has an area of and its capital is Sittwe (formerly known as Akyab).

Names

The state was historically known as Arakan in English until the Burmese government adopted the English name Rakhine in 1989.

History

The history of the region of Arakan (now renamed Rakhine State) can be roughly divided into seven parts. The first four divisions and the periods are based on the location of the centre of power of the main polities in the northern Rakhine region, especially along the Kaladan River. Thus, the history is divided into the Dhanyawadi, Waithali, Laymro and Mrauk U. Mrauk U was conquered by the Konbaung dynasty of Burma in 1784–85, after which Rakhine became part of the Konbaung kingdom of Burma. In 1824, the first Anglo-Burmese war erupted and in 1826, Rakhine (alongside Tanintharyi) was ceded to the British East India Company as war reparations by the Burmese. Rakhine thus became part of the province of Burma in British India. In 1948, Burma was given independence and Rakhine became part of the newly independent state.

Independent kingdom

Beginning in the 400s, the Pyus and Kanyans of Tibeto-Burman people began migrating westward, crossing the Arakan Mountains and settling in what is now Rakhine State. By the 1100s, they had consolidated control of the region, becoming a tributary state of the Pagan Empire until the 13th century. Over time, these Tibeto-Burmans mixed with Indo-Aryans and formed a distinct cultural identity, eventually becoming the Rakhine people (also known as the Arakanese).

According to Arakanese legend, the first recorded kingdom was founded by the Sakya clan of Buddha who are ancient Hindus Indo-aryans, centred around the northern town of Dhanyawadi, arose in the 34th century BCE and lasted until 327 CE. Rakhine documents and inscriptions state that the famed Mahamuni Buddha image was cast in Dhanyawady in around 554 BCE when the Buddha visited the kingdom. After the fall of Dhanyawadi in the 4th century CE, the centre of power shifted to a new dynasty based in the town of Waithali. The Waithali kingdom ruled the regions of Arakan from the middle of the 4th century to 818 CE. The period is seen as the classical period of Arakan culture, architecture and Buddhism, as the Waithali period left behind more archaeological remains than its predecessor. A new dynasty emerged in four towns along the Lemyo River as Waithali waned in influence, and ushered in the Lemro period, where four principal towns served as successive capitals.

The Kingdom of Mrauk U which was founded in 1429 by Min Saw Mon was the final independent Arakanese kingdom. It is seen by the Rakhine people as the golden age of their history, as Mrauk U served as a commercially important port and base of power in the Bay of Bengal region and involved in extensive maritime trade. The Kingdom of Mrauk-U went on to conquer Chittagong with the help of the Portuguese. The country steadily declined from the 18th century onwards after its loss of Chittagong to the Mughal Empire. Internal instability, rebellion and dethroning of kings were very common. The Portuguese, during the era of their greatness in Asia, gained a temporary establishment in Arakan.

Burmese annexation

In 1784, a group of Rakhine representatives sought assistance from Bodawpaya, king of the Konbaung dynasty, to mediate internal disputes within the Rakhine royal court. Responding to their request—and motivated by expansionist ambitions—Bodawpaya dispatched his son, Thado Minsaw, the Prince of the Front Palace, to lead a full-scale military expedition into Arakan. The invasion force was divided into three land columns and a naval flotilla.

The campaign began on 2 December 1784, and on 2 January 1785, the Kingdom of Mrauk U—weakened by internal strife—fell to the invading forces of the Konbaung dynasty. Maha Thammada Raza, the last king of Mrauk U, was captured along with his queen, royal family members, ministers, monks, and artisans, and deported to Amarapura.

One of the most significant war trophies was the sacred Mahamuni Buddha Image, which was dismantled and transported to Amarapura, and later enshrined in Mandalay. The Burmese also seized numerous cultural and religious artifacts, including gold and silver regalia, bronze statues (some originally taken from the Ayutthaya), weapons, and sacred manuscripts.

Although the Rakhine people initially believed the Burmese would restore peace, they soon recognized the move as an annexation. Uprisings ensued, and many rebels fled to British-controlled Bengal. When Burmese forces crossed the border in pursuit, tensions escalated between Burma and the British East India Company, setting the stage for future conflict.

With the annexation of Arakan, Burma came into direct territorial contact with British India. These tensions eventually culminated in the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826). During the conflict, British forces captured Arakan and occupied parts of Lower Burma.

In a symbolic reversal of earlier events, the Presidency armies took the great bell from the Mahamuni shrine as war loot. It was awarded to Bhim Singh, a Risaldar in the 2nd Battalion of the Bengal Army, for his bravery. The bell is still housed in a temple in Nadrai, near Kasganj, in present-day Kasganj district of Uttar Pradesh, India.

The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826, under which Burma ceded Arakan and Tenasserim to the British. Akyab (now Sittwe) became the administrative capital of Arakan. Later, Arakan was integrated into the province of Burma under the British Raj, and then into British Burma after it became a separate Crown colony. Administratively, Arakan was divided into three districts, following the traditional divisions of the Mrauk U period.

British rule

Rakhine was the centre of multiple insurgencies which fought against British rule, notably led by the monks U Ottama and U Seinda. During the Second World War, Rakhine was given autonomy under the Japanese occupation of Burma and was even granted its own army known as the Arakan Defense Force. The Arakan Defense Force went over to the allies and turned against the Japanese in early 1945. Rakhine (Arakan) was the site of many battles during the Second World War, most notably the Arakan Campaign 1942–43 and the Battle of Ramree Island.

Burmese independence

In 1948, Rakhine became a division within the Union of Burma, and the three districts became Arakan Division. From the 1950s, there was a growing movement for secession and restoration of Arakan independence.

2010 onwards (after 2008 constitution)

Since 2010, Rakhine state has had two chief ministers: Hla Maung Tin and Major General Maung Maung Ohn. Hla Maung Tin (January 2011 – 20 June 2014) was an elected Rakhine State Hluttaw member representing USDP from Ann Township in 2010 general election. He resigned from the post after recurrent intense inter-communal conflicts between Muslims and Rakhine ethnic groups in 2012–14. In 2014, he was replaced by Major General Maung Maung Ohn (30 June 2014 – present). Ohn was Deputy Minister for Border Affairs and head of the Rakhine State's Emergency Coordination Center before he was named to become a military-appointed Rakhine State Hluttaw member by Election Commission on 21 June 2014. His appointment as Chief Minister was formalized on 30 June 2014 although Arakan National Party opposed it.

In June 2012, Rakhine State in Myanmar experienced severe communal violence between ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims, resulting in at least 88 fatalities, 4,600 homes being burnt and displacement of approximately 100,000 people.

Resurgence of armed conflict (2016–present)

As of December 2024, the State Administration Council junta stably possesses only Sittwe Township, Kyaukpyu Township, and Munaung Township. The rest of Rakhine State is either controlled by the Arakan Army, or heavily contested.

Political repression by the Myanmar government

The NLD government refused to share executive power at the state level after the Arakan National Party (ANP) won a majority of votes in Rakhine State during the 2015 general election. Arakanese lawmakers frequently complained that their proposals in the state parliament were rejected or ignored.

In 2017, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and the Tatmadaw reportedly rejected national-level political dialogue in Rakhine State, a mandatory step under the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA). This dialogue would have allowed regional stakeholders to present proposals at large-scale public consultations, with the outcomes discussed at the Union Peace Conference, also known as the 21st Century Panglong. In February 2017, the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP)—one of eight NCA signatories—requested to hold ethnic-based national-level political dialogue in Rakhine State. Aung San Suu Kyi declined, stating that the ALP was not yet ready. Despite submitting three formal requests, the government did not respond. At a Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting (JICM), Suu Kyi again denied the request, citing the sensitive situation involving Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine State.

On 16 January 2018, thousands of residents in Mrauk U staged a protest after officials banned a memorial event commemorating the 233rd anniversary of the fall of the Mrauk U Kingdom. Local police opened fire on the crowd, killing seven people and injuring 12. Two speakers at the event— Aye Maung, a prominent Rakhine politician, and Wai Hun Aung, a Sittwe-based activist—were subsequently charged. Aye Maung was charged under Section 17(1) of the Unlawful Associations Act and Sections 121 and 505 of the Penal Code, relating to high treason and incitement, while Wai Hun Aung was charged with public mischief. Eight Rakhine youths injured in the protest were also detained and charged under Article 6(1) for allegedly damaging government and public property.

On 16 October 2020, the Union Election Commission (UEC) announced that the 2020 Myanmar general election would not be held in several areas of Rakhine State, including the townships of Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Maung Daw, Kyauktaw, Minbya, Myebon, and Mrauk U; along with multiple quarters and village tracts in Kyaukphyu Township, Ann Township, Sittwe Township, and Toungup Township. The UEC stated that free and fair elections could not be held due to ongoing conflict and instability.

With the exception of Toungup Township, ethnic Rakhine parties have historically been dominant in these areas. The Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) and Arakan National Party (ANP) won the majority of seats in these townships during the 2010 and 2015 general elections.

2020–present

In November 2020, the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) reached an informal ceasefire, leading to a temporary reduction in hostilities in Rakhine State. However, after the military coup in February 2021, clashes resumed in the region.

Following the military coup in February 2021, Rakhine State experienced intensified armed conflicts, particularly between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and the Arakan Army (AA). By September 2021, the AA and its political wing, the United League of Arakan (ULA), had gained control over roughly 75% of Rakhine’s townships.

In early 2024, the battle for the border town of Maungdaw resulted in heavy fighting, leading to numerous civilian casualties and displacements. Reports indicate that during this period, civilians, including the Rohingya population, were subjected to coordinated killings, large-scale arson attacks, and shelling. Notably, on August 5, 2024, an attack in Maungdaw targeted Rohingya civilians attempting to flee by boat, resulting in numerous deaths.

On October 27, 2023, Operation 1027 was launched by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, consisting of the Arakan Army (AA), the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). The offensive led to the capture of over 130 military outposts and strategic bases in northern Shan State, including the key border town of Laukkai. Reports indicated significant losses for the Myanmar military, with hundreds of soldiers killed and over 4,000 troops, including senior officers, surrendering.

By February 2025, a CSIS report indicated that the Arakan Army had begun establishing local governments in the Rakhine townships under its control. However, little is known about their governance structure or the inclusion of non-Arakan ethnic groups. It remains unclear whether the AA will halt military operations after securing its claimed territory, as its offensives in Paletwa, Magway, and other areas suggest broader territorial ambitions. The group's stance on Myanmar’s political future is also uncertain, while it previously sought autonomy under the 2008 constitution like the United Wa State Army, it may now pursue full statehood or independence.

Demographics

Rakhine State, like many parts of the country, has a diverse ethnic population. Official Burmese figures state Rakhine State's population as 3,118,963.

Ethnic makeup

The Rakhine make up the majority of the state's population, followed by a considerable population of Rohingya Muslims. The Rakhine reside mainly in the lowland valleys as well as Ramree and Manaung (Cheduba) islands. A number of other ethnic minorities like the Thet, Kamein, Chin, Mro, Chakma, Khami, Daingnet, Bengali Hindu and Maramagri inhabit mainly in the hill regions of the state.

After the 2014 Census in Myanmar, the Burmese government indefinitely withheld release of detailed ethnicity data, citing concerns around political and social concerns surrounding the issue of ethnicity in Myanmar. In 2022, researchers published an analysis of the General Administration Department's nationwide 2018-2019 township reports to tabulate the ethnic makeup of Rakhine State.

Religion

According to the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee's 2016 statistics, 12,943 Buddhist monks were registered in Rakhine State, comprising 2.4% of Myanmar's total Sangha membership, which includes both novice samanera and fully-ordained bhikkhu. The majority of monks belong to the Thudhamma Nikaya (88.9%), followed by Shwegyin Nikaya (3.9%), with the remainder of monks belonging to other small monastic orders. 534 thilashin were registered in Rakhine State, comprising 0.9% of Myanmar's total thilashin community.

The Rakhine are traditionally Theravada Buddhists. As per the 1983 Census, 98.63% of the Rakhine in Rakhine State were Buddhist and another 1.19% were Muslim. The Chin were the 3rd largest ethnic group, contributing 4% of the population in the 1983 Census. At that time, out of the 64,404 Chin in Rakhine, 55.76% were Buddhist and 33.79% were Animist. Muslims constituted more than 80–96% of the population near the border with Bangladesh and the coastal areas. As per the 1983 Census, 99.82% of the Rohingya, 99.24% of the "Other foreigners", 89.20% of the "Mixed races", 85.50% of the Indians and 67.51% of the "Pakistanis" in Rakhine state were Muslims.

Administrative divisions

Rakhine State consists of seven districts, as below, showing areas and officially estimated populations in 2002:
* Maungdaw (3,538 km²; 763,844 people)
* Sittwe (12,504 km²; 1,099,568 people)
* Mrauk-U (recently created out of Sittwe District)
* Kyaukpyu (9,984 km²; 458,244 people)
* Ann (NA km²; NA people)
* Taungup (NA km²; NA people)
* Thandwe (10,753 km²; 296,736 people)
* Total Rakhine State: 36,778 km²; 2,915,000 people

Combined, these districts have a total of 17 townships and 1,164 village-tracts. Sittwe is the capital of the state.

Transport

Few roads cross the Arakan Mountains from central Burma to Rakhine State. The three highways that do are the Ann to Munbra ( Minbya in Burmese pronunciation) road in central Rakhine, the Toungup to Pamtaung road in south central Rakhine, and the Gwa to Ngathaingchaung road in far southern Rakhine. Air travel still is the usual mode of travel from Yangon and Mandalay to Sittwe and Ngapali, the popular beach resort. Only in 1996 was a highway from Sittwe to the mainland constructed. The state still does not have a rail line (although Myanmar Railways has announced a 480-km rail extension to Sittwe from Pathein via Ponnagyun-Kyauttaw-Mrauk U-Minbya-Ann).

The airports in Rakhine State are
* Sittwe Airport
* Kyaukpyu Airport
* Thandwe Airport
* Ann Airport
* Manaung Airport

With Chinese investment, a deep sea port has been constructed in Kyaukphyu to facilitate the transport of natural gas and crude oil from the Indian Ocean to China without passing through Strait of Malacca.

Rivers useful for transportation in Rakhine are
* Naf River
* Kaladan River
* Lemro River
* Mayu River

Economy

Rakhine is one of the poorest states in Myanmar. Over 69% of the population live in poverty.

Rice is the main crop in the region, occupying around 85% of the total agricultural land. Coconut and nipa palm plantations are also important. Fishing is a major industry, with most of the catch transported to Yangon, but some is also exported. Wood products such as timber, bamboo and fuel wood are extracted from the mountains. Small amounts of inferior-grade crude oil are produced from primitive, shallow, hand-dug wells, but there is yet unexplored potential for petroleum and natural gas production.

Tourism is slowly being developed. The ruins of the ancient royal town Mrauk U and the beach resorts of Ngapali are the major attractions for foreign visitors, but facilities are still primitive, and the transportation infrastructure is still rudimentary.

While most places in Myanmar have chronic power shortages, in rural states like Rakhine the problem is greater. In 2009, the electricity consumption of a state of 3 million people was 30 MW, or 1.8% of the country's total generation capacity. In December 2009, the military government added three more hydropower plants, Saidin, Thahtay Chaung and Laymromyit, at a cost of over US$800 million. The three plants together can produce 687 megawatts, with surplus electricity distributed to other states and divisions.

Additionally, as of November 2024, reports indicate that over 2 million people in Rakhine State are at risk of famine due to reduced food production and ongoing conflicts. Without urgent action, it is predicted that 95% of the population will regress into survival mode.

Global interests

China

China considers Rakhine State as a strategic interest. Rakhine State hosts several major Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, including the Kyaukphyu deep-sea port and oil and gas pipelines. This region serves as an important land and maritime route, allowing China access to the Indian Ocean and reducing its dependence on the Strait of Malacca.

Myanmar also acts as a buffer state for China in managing Western and Indian influence in Southeast Asia. Despite international criticism, it is known that China has maintained close relations with Myanmar's military while also engaging with major ethnic armed organizations (EAOs).

India

India sees Myanmar as an important partner under its "Act East" policy, which aims to improve connectivity and strengthen India's influence in Southeast Asia. India’s main concerns include ensuring stability in its northeastern states and balancing China's growing presence in Myanmar. India has invested in strategic projects such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway.

Like China, India also maintains flexible diplomacy by engaging with both Myanmar’s military government and EAOs operating near its borders, including the AA.

Others

The United States and European countries may support Rakhine state's political aspirations if it aligns with their broader goals of democracy and human rights. However, shifts in U.S. political leadership and global trends in democratic governance may affect the level of support and engagement.

Bangladesh, which shares a border with Rakhine State, is primarily concerned about stability and potential refugee movements. The country hosts around one million Rohingya refugees who fled Rakhine State, and it has expressed interest in their safe return. Bangladesh’s stance on the Rakhine state depends on how it addresses Rohingya-related issues.

Education

Educational opportunities in Myanmar are extremely limited outside the main cities of Yangon and Mandalay. The following is a summary of the public school system in the state in academic year 2013–2014.

Sittwe University is the main university in the state.

Health care

The general state of health care in Myanmar is poor. The military government spends anywhere from 0.5% to 3% of the country's GDP on health care, consistently ranking among the lowest in the world. Although health care is nominally free, in reality, patients have to pay for medicine and treatment, even in public clinics and hospitals. Public hospitals lack many of the basic facilities and equipment. In general, the health care infrastructure outside of Yangon and Mandalay is extremely poor but is worse in remote areas like Rakhine State. The entire Rakhine State has fewer hospital beds than the Yangon General Hospital. The following is a summary of the public health care system in the state.

See also

* List of Arakanese monarchs
* History of Rakhine
* Arakan
* Rakhine State Cultural Museum

References

Further reading

* Collis, Maurice (1943), ''The Land of the Great Image: Being Experiences of Friar Manrique in Arakan'' (US publication 1958, Alfred A. Knopf).

{{Authority control

States of Myanmar
1974 establishments in Burma
States and territories established in 1974