The Arakanese represent a nationality in Myanmar forming the majority along the coastal region of present day Rakhine State.

They possibly constitute 5.53% or more of Myanmar's total population but no accurate census figures exist.

Arakanese people also live in the southeastern parts of Bangladesh, especially in Chittagong and Barisal Divisions.

A group of Arakanese descendants, living in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh at least since the sixteenth century, are known as the Marma people.

Arakanese descendants spread as far north as Tripura state in India, where their presence dates back to the ascent of the Arakanese kingdom when Tripura was ruled by Arakanese kings.