Shan State in the east of Myanmar shares international borders with China, Laos and Thailand, and state borders with Kachin, Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyitaw 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) before 2012 according to the official Gazatteer from General Administration Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Taunggyi is the Shan State capital.

Shan State is largely rural with only three populated cities of significant size which are Lashio, Kengtung and Taunggyi. 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.

Shan (South) covers 57,806km² and is administratively divided into 21 townships. With a population of 2.04 million (2011 HMIS data), the population density in Shan (South) is 35 people per square kilometre, 77% of whom live in rural areas.  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 60,559km²administratively 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 1.82 million (2011 HMIS data), with 30 people per square kilometre. 24% of the population live in urban areas, and the remaining 76% in rural areas.

Shan (East) covers 37,093km² and consists of 10 townships. Shan East’s population is estimated at 0.62 million (2011 HMIS data), with a density of 17 people per square kilometre. 20% of the population are living in urban areas, and the remaining 80% in rural areas.