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.