Separated from the rest of Myanmar by a rugged mountain chain, the region, once known as Arakan, has for most of its history been a distinct political entity.

The Rohingya trace their history here as far back as the eighth century and it's also home to the Rakhine, a predominantly Buddhist ethnic group. Here's a short history of the mostly Muslim Rohingya and some of the key events that have led to what the United Nations says is the world's fastest growing refugee crisis.

Sources: CNN, Rakhine Commission, UN, International Crisis Group