Wa State
Wa State (Wa: "Meung Vax"; ; ) is an autonomous region within Myanmar (Burma). It is "de facto" independent from the rest of the country and has its own political system, administrative divisions and army. However, Wa State recognises Myanmar's sovereignty over all of its territory, and has, in return, been granted a high level of autonomy by the central government in Naypyidaw. Under the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar the region is designated as the Wa Self-Administered Division of Shan State. As a one-party socialist state ruled by the United Wa State Party, Wa State is divided into three counties, two special districts, and one economic development zone. The administrative capital is Pangkham, formerly known as Panghsang. The name "Wa" is derived from the Wa ethnic group, who speak an Austroasiatic language.