Shan State is a state of Burma (Myanmar) bordering China to the north; Laos to the east; and Thailand to the south; and five administrative divisions of Burma in the west.

Shan State covers 155;800 km? almost a quarter of the total area of Burma. The state gets its name from the Shan people; one of several ethnic groups that inhabit the area. Shan State is largely rural; with only three cities of significant size: Lashio; Kengtung; and the capital; Taunggyi.