Akha

The Akha People (also referred to as Hani/Akha People), are an estimated 2.5 million persons living in Yunnan province in Southwest China, the northern parts of Laos, Vietnam and Thailand, and eastern Burma.

They live in a central part of what is currently called the 'Mekong Quadrangle', an area of about 500 by 600 km or 30,000 sq. km, somewhat the size of the European Alps. The Akhas are concentrated in an area that is crossed by several major rivers: the Mekong, the Red and Black Rivers, and the Salween, and their many tributaries which cut steep valleys.

Of crucial contemporary significance, this border area covers part of the territory of five modern nation-states. The total population of this region, including quickly growing industrial centres, is about 15-20 million. The Akha live mostly in the mountains interspersed with other ethnic groups, but are concentrated in certain areas.

"Akha," according to some, means "In Between (high upland and lowland) People".