Eastern Karen in Myanmar (Burma)


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Eastern Kayah Li are a Karenic ethnic group, most closely related to Western Kayah Li. The majority of Eastern Kayah Li live in eastern Kayah State in Myanmar, while a small population migrated to Mae Hong Son Province in western Thailand about 60 years ago and established permanent villages during the last 20-40 years. The Eastern and Western Kayah Li consider themselves to be ethnically one.

The name "Kayah" is sometimes also used. However, "Kayah" may refer to not only the Kayah Li but also several related language groups that live in the same area of Myanmar. The name "Kayah Li" refers specifically to the Kayah Li, including Eastern, Western and other varieties. The Eastern Kayah Li people in Thailand are rice farmers living in ten mostly homogenous Kayah Li villages in Mae Hong Son Province. While some have adopted Buddhism or Christianity, the majority of the Eastern Kayah Li practice traditional animism.

The current vitality of the Eastern Kayah Li language in Thailand appears to be strong. Eastern Kayah Li is the primary language of the home, and children can speak only Eastern Kayah Li before entering school. While most Eastern Kayah Li adults can also speak Shan, and those who have had education can also speak Central Thai, Eastern Kayah Li people continue to speak Eastern Kayah Li as their first and best language.


Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Karen, Kayah Eastern in Myanmar (Burma).


Profile Source:   Anonymous  

The Kayah

Source:  Asia Harvest      Download

People Name General Karen, Kayah Eastern
People Name in Country Karen, Kayah Eastern
Natural Name Eastern Karen
Alternate Names Eastern Kayah; Red Karen
Population this Country 9,000
Population all Countries 28,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 5
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 14532
ROP3 Code 108337
Country Myanmar (Burma)
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 17  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Kayah State, Shadaw township, east of Thanlwin river; Shan State, Langkho district.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Myanmar (Burma)
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 17  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Kayah State, Shadaw township, east of Thanlwin river; Shan State, Langkho district..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
60.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 14.00 %)
20.00 %
Ethnic Religions
20.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Kayah, Eastern (9,000 speakers)
Language Code eky   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Kayah, Eastern (9,000 speakers)
Language Code eky   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Kayah, Eastern
Photo Source Anonymous 
Map Source Anonymous  
Video Source Asia Harvest
Profile Source Anonymous 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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