The Pa-O are the seventh largest ethnic nationality in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. They are the second largest ethnic group in the Shan State; and also live in Kayin State; Kayah State; Mon State and Bago Division. They are believed to be of Tibeto-Burman stock; and are ethnolinguistically related to the Karen.

Inle Lake is a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Taunggyi District of Shan State; part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2); and one of the highest at an altitude of 2;900 feet (880 m).

The people of Inle Lake (called Intha); some 70;000 of them; live in four cities bordering the lake; in numerous small villages along the lake's shores; and on the lake itself. The entire lake area is in Nyaung Shwe township. The population consists predominantly of Intha; with a mix of other Shan; Taungyo; Pa-O (Taungthu); Danu; Kayah; Danaw and Bamar ethnicities. Most are devout Buddhists; and live in simple houses of wood and woven bamboo on stilts; they are largely self-sufficient farmers.