Shan State in the east of Myanmar shares international borders with China, Laos and Thailand, and state borders with Kachin, Sagaing, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Kayin and Mon. It is largest of the 14 administrative divisions in Myanmar, covering 155,458 km2, almost a quarter of the total country area. Due to its large size, it is often referred to as three similarly sized regions as Shan (North), Shan (South) and Shan (East), particularly in the humanitarian and development context. There are three populated cities of significant size which are Lashio, Kengtung and Taunggyi which are also largest cities in Shan (North), Shan (East), and Shan (South) respectively. Taunggyi is also the State capital. 

Much of the state is formed by the Shan Plateau. The Thanlwin River (also known as the Salween/Namkhong) cuts across the state which is also home to Inle Lake, the second largest natural expanse of water in Myanmar, which is also a major tourism and fisheries hub.

Shan (South) covers 57,806 km2 and is administratively divided into 21 townships. With a population of 2.79 million (2023 UNFPA Projections), the population density in Shan (South) is 48 people per square kilometre.  It is also the home of two of the country’s Self-administered zones, namely the two areas that make up the Pa-O Self-administered Zone (3 townships in total), and the Danu Self-administered Zone (2 townships).

Shan (North) covers 60,559 km2m administratively divided into 20 townships,some of which fall within the Self-administered Zones of Pa Laung, Wa and Kokang. The population of Shan (North) is estimated to be 2.9 million (2023 UNFPA Projections), with 48 people per square kilometre.

Shan (East) covers 37,093 km2 and consists of 10 townships. Shan East’s population is estimated at 1.05 million (2023 UNFPA Projections), with a density of 28 people per square kilometre.

Humanitarian/Development Context: Shan State has been a major hotspot of conflict, particularly since Oct 2023 when "Operation 1027" was launched in Shan (North). This has caused displacement, access restrictions, and periodic border/trade disruptions. In Shan (South), clashes in Kayah State and Southernmost parts of the Shan State has caused displacement into the State. Landmine/ERW incidents remain among the highest nationally with 159 incidents in 2024 (24% of total casualties) (UNICEF, Feb 2025).A 2025 UNODC report indicates that methamphetamine production and trafficking from Shan have significantly increased since 2021, while Shan remains the largest opium cultivator (88% of country's total) (UNODC, Dec 2024) (UNODC, May 2025). Shan (South) was affected by the March 2025 earthquake, particularly around Inle Lake, which was still recovering from late-2024 Typhoon Yagi flood. Inle Lake is also prone to environmental stress, facing drought and water shortages during the summer.