Rakhine State

Who / What

Rakhine State is a state in western Myanmar (Burma) located along the Bay of Bengal. It was formerly known as Arakan State and occupies a strategic coastal position. The north–south Arakan Mountains (Rakhine Yoma) form a natural barrier between the state and central Myanmar.

Background & History

Rakhine State is one of the administrative states of modern Myanmar and historically formed part of the Arakan region. It was formerly known as Arakan State; its current name is Rakhine State. The state lies on the western coast of Myanmar and is separated from central Myanmar by the Arakan Mountains.

Why Notable

Rakhine State’s long coastline on the Bay of Bengal makes it strategically significant for maritime and regional connectivity. Its border with Bangladesh and proximity to India enhance its geopolitical relevance. The Arakan Mountains are a major natural feature that shapes the region’s isolation from the rest of Myanmar and influences its climate and terrain.

In the News

Rakhine State continues to be a focus of humanitarian and geopolitical attention due to ongoing challenges and its strategic location along the Bay of Bengal and near the Bangladesh border.

Key Facts

Type: place

Also known as: Arakan State; Rakhine State; Arakan

Founded / Born: Not specified

Key dates: Renamed from Arakan State to Rakhine State

Geography: Country: Myanmar; Bordered to the northwest by the Chattogram Division of Bangladesh; Bordered to the north by Chin State; to the east by Magway Region, Bago Region and Ayeyarwady Region; to the west by the Bay of Bengal; separated from central Myanmar by the north–south Arakan Mountains (Rakhine Yoma)

Affiliation: Myanmar

Links

[Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakhine_State)

Sources

• 🔗 Wikipedia

Rakhine State ( rə-KYN; Burmese: ရခိုင်ပြည်နယ်, MLCTS: ra.hkuing pranynai, pronounced [jəkʰàiɰ̃ pjìnɛ̀]; Rakhine pronunciation: [ɹəkʰàiɰ̃ pɹènè]), 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. The north–south Arakan Mountains or Rakhine Yoma separate Rakhine State from central Myanmar.