Rakhine people

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.

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

The Rakhines are predominantly Theravada Buddhist. Their language contains similarities with the Burmese language and they are very close to Burma in culture and traditional dress. They have developed their own kingdoms, dynasties, scripts, coins, costumes, culture, and dialects. They also have their own ethnic armed group in Myanmar's Rakhine State known as the Arakan Army.

The Rakhine people have a variety of appearances, showing a mix of traits from both South Asian and East Asian backgrounds. Rakhine men mostly wear a sarong called lungyi, while the women also wear a sarong called thabein. The Rakhine people celebrate several key festivals including Sangrain and Buddha Purnima.