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.
Most transportation on the
