The valleys and tableland are inhabited by the Shans, who in language and customs resemble the Thais, Sam, and the Lao. They are largely Buddhists and are mainly engaged in agriculture. Among the Shans live the Bamar, Han-Chinese, and Karens. The hills are inhabited by various peoples, notably the Wa, who are numerous in the north and along the Chinese border. The Ta'ang People are numerous in the Northern Shan State, in Namkham, Muse, Namhpaka, Kutkai, and Lashio Townships along the Burma-China Border and also in the middle of Shan State, in Namhsam, Kyaukme and Thibaw Townships. The population of the Palaung people is over 1,000,000. Some of the Ta'ang people can be found in Kalaw and Aungban in the Southern Shan State.