Approximately seven million Karen people reside in Burma (Myanmar), making it the country with the largest Karen population globally.
The Karen people are a diverse ethnolinguistic group, and their population is primarily concentrated in Burma, particularly in the eastern and southeastern regions. While the vast majority live in Myanmar, significant communities also exist in neighboring countries and around the world.
Global Distribution of the Karen People
Beyond Burma, the Karen population is distributed across several other nations, reflecting historical migrations and cultural ties. Below is an estimated breakdown of their presence:
| Region | Estimated Karen Population |
|---|---|
| Burma (Myanmar) | Approximately 7 million |
| Thailand | About 500,000 (Thai-Karen) |
| India & other Southeast Asian countries | Smaller groups |
The "Thai-Karen" community, numbering around half a million, often maintains ancestral villages within Thailand itself. Smaller groups of Karen people can also be found in India and various other countries across Southeast Asia, forming a part of the broader Karen diaspora. Understanding the demographics of the Karen people provides insight into their significant presence and cultural impact within the region. For more information on the Karen people, you can visit their Wikipedia page.
