Rakhine

The Rakhine (Burmese and Rakhine: ရခိုင်လူမျိုး) or Arakanese are a Southeast Asian ethnic group in Myanmar (Burma) forming the majority along the coastal region of present-day Rakhine State (formerly called Arakan), although Rakhine communities also exist throughout the country, particularly in the Ayeyarwady and Yangon Regions. They constitute approximately 4.61% or more of Myanmar's total population. Rakhine communities also exist in Bangladesh's Chittagong Hill Tracts and India's Northeastern states.

The Rakhine people consist of seven different ethnic groups: Rakhine, Kamein, Kwe Myi, Daingnet, Maramagyi, Mru and Thet. Among them, the Rakhine are the majority in Rakhine State and have long been influenced by their proximity to India and have formed trading links with the subcontinent. The Thet, Kamein, Daingnet and Marma are the minority ethnic groups living in the hills.