In 1989 the largest nation of mainland Southeast Asia changed its name from Burma to Myanmar. Geographically, the country's Irrawaddy basin is surrounded on three sides by densely forested mountains and plateaus. Most people live in the fertile valley and delta of the Irrawaddy River.
The majority of Myanmar's people are ethnic Burmans, and other ethnic groups (including Shans, Karens, and Kachins) add up to some 30 percent of the population. Ethnic minorities are dominant in border and mountainous areas: Shan in the north and northeast (Indian and Thai borders), Karen in the southeast (Thai border), and Kachin in the far north (Chinese border).
Independence from Britain in 1948 was followed by isolationism and socialism. Military governments have ruled Myanmar since 1962. Myanmar is a resource-rich country with a strong agricultural base, and is a leading producer of gems, jade, and teak.
Culture
Although a diverse range of indigenous cultures exist in Myanmar, the dominant culture is primarily Buddhist and Bamar. Bamar culture has been influenced by the cultures of neighbouring China, India, and Thailand. This is reflected in various aspects of its language, cuisine, music, dance and theatre. The arts, particularly literature, have historically been influenced by the Burmese form of Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism is practised along with nat worship which involves elaborate rituals to propitiate one of a pantheon of 37 Nats.
In a traditional Burmese village, there is at least one monastery and monks are venerated and supported by the lay people. The majority of Burmese monks reside in Mandalay Division and Sagaing Division. A novitiation ceremony called Shinbyu is the most important coming of age event for a boy when he enters the monastery for a short while and the happiest moment in life of his proud parents. His sisters may have an ear-piercing ceremony (na htwin) at the same time. Burmese culture is most evident in villages where local festivals are held throughout the year, the most important being the pagoda festival (paya pwe). Many villages have a guardian nat, and superstition and taboos are commonplace in Burmese life.
British colonial rule also introduced Western elements of culture to Myanmar. Myanmar's educational system is modelled after that of Great Britain, and colonial architectural influences are most evident in cities such as Yangon and Mawlamyine. Many ethnic minorities, particularly the Kachin and Chin who populate the north and the northwest practice Christianity, a result of Western missionary work in the area.
Myanmar (Burma) Flag and Facts
| Population | 50,519,000 |
| Capital | Nay Pyi Taw |
| Area | 676,552 square km or (261,218 sq. miles) |
| Language | Burmese, minor languages |
| Religion | Buddhist, Christian, Muslim |
| Currency | kyat |
| Life Expectancy | 57 |
| GDP per Capita | U.S. $1,700 |
| Literacy Percent | 83 |
Education System
British colonial rule introduced Western elements of culture to Burma. The education system is based on the United Kingdom's system, due to nearly a century of British and Christian presences in Myanmar. Nearly all schools are government-operated, but recently, there has been an increase in privately funded schools (which specialise in English). Schooling is compulsory until the end of elementary school, probably about 9 years old, while the compulsory schooling age is 15 or 16 at international level.
Economy
Industry: agricultural processing; knit and woven apparel; wood and wood products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron, gems, jade.
Agriculture: rice, pulses, beans, sesame; hardwood (teak); fish.
Exports: gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish, rice.
Text sources: National Geographic, Wikipedia, my-world-guide.com