Ayeyarwady Division

Encyclopedia : A : AY : AYE : Ayeyarwady Division

Ayeyarwady Division is a division of Myanmar, occupying the delta region of the Ayeyarwady River (formerly the Irrawaddy River). It is bordered by Bago Division to the north, Bago Division and Yangon Division to the east, and the Bay of Bengal to the south and west. It is contiguous with the Rakhine State in the northwest. The Division lies between north latitude 15° 40' and 18° 30' approximately and between cast longitude 94° 15' and 96° 15'. It has an area of 13,566 sq-miles. The population is over 6.5 million, making it the most populous of Myanmar’s states and divisions. The average population density per sq mile is 466 persons.

Contents

1 Demographics
2 Organisation
3 Economy
4 History

Demographics

Bamar and Karen form the majority of the population, with a small　minority of Rakhine in western coastal regions. The majority of the people are Buddhist, with small minorities of Christians and Muslims. Burmese is the lingua franca.

Organisation

The Ayeyarwady Division consists of five districts: Pathein, Hinthada, Myaungmya, Maubin, and Pyapon. Pathein is the principal city and capital.

Economy

Ayeyarwady Division is heavily forested and wood products are an important component of the economy. The principal crop of Ayeyarwady Division is rice, and the division is called the “granary of Myanmar.” In addition to rice, other crops include maize, sesame, groundnut, sunflower, beans, pulses, and jute. Fishery is also important; Ayeyarwady Division produces fish, prawn, fish-paste, dry fish, dry prawn, and fish sauce.

Ayeyarwady Division also has considerable tourist potential. The city of Pathein has numerous historic sights and temples. Outside Pathein are the beach resorts of Chaungtha Beach and the lake resort of Inye Lake. However, hotel and transportation infrastructure is still very poorly developed.

History

The Ayeyarwady delta region was traditionally part of the Mon kingdom. This area fell under Burmese (and occasional Rakhine) rule from the 11th century AD. Its subsequent history mirrors that of the rest of lower Myanmar.

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