The Shan are a Tai ethnic group of Southeast Asia.

The Shan live primarily in the Shan State of Burma (Myanmar), but also inhabit parts of Mandalay Division, Kachin State, and Kayin State, and in adjacent regions of China, Laos and Thailand.

Though no reliable census has been taken in Burma since 1935, the Shan are estimated to number approximately six million.The capital of Shan State is Taunggyi, a small city of about 150,000 people.

Other major cities include Thibaw (Hsipaw), Lashio, Kengtung and Tachileik.