Burma

Burma
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Conventional long name	Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Capital	Naypyidaw
Largest city	Yangon
Official languages	Burmese
Government type	Unitary parliamentary republic under a military junta
Leader title1	Chairman of the State Administration Council
Leader name1	Min Aung Hlaing
Leader title2	President
Leader name2	Myint Swe (acting)
Sovereignty type	Formation
Established event1	Pagan Kingdom
Established date1	c. 849
Established event2	Taungoo Empire
Established date2	16 October 1510
Established event3	Konbaung dynasty
Established date3	29 February 1752
Established event4	Annexed by British Raj
Established date4	1 January 1886
Established event5	Independence from the United Kingdom
Established date5	4 January 1948
Established event6	Coup d'état
Established date6	2 March 1962
Established event7	2008 Constitution of Myanmar
Established date7	30 March 2011
Established event8	Coup d'état
Established date8	1 February 2021

Burma. Officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, it is a country in Southeast Asia bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. Its history is marked by powerful pre-colonial kingdoms, British colonization, a brief period of Japanese occupation during World War II, and prolonged military rule following independence. The nation's diverse landscape ranges from the fertile Irrawaddy delta to the rugged highlands of the Shan Plateau and is home to a multitude of ethnic groups, including the Bamar, Shan, Karen, and Rohingya.

History

The early history of the region was defined by influential kingdoms such as the Pagan Kingdom, which established Theravada Buddhism as the dominant religion, and later the Taungoo dynasty and Konbaung dynasty, which expanded territorial control. The Anglo-Burmese Wars culminated in the country's annexation into the British Raj, a period that reshaped its economy and society. Following occupation during World War II, figures like Aung San led the push for independence, achieved from the United Kingdom in 1948. The post-independence era has been dominated by military rule, beginning with the 1962 Burmese coup d'état led by Ne Win and the subsequent 8888 Uprising, with a brief period of quasi-civilian government under the 2008 Constitution of Myanmar before the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état returned the Tatmadaw to direct control.

Geography

Situated in Mainland Southeast Asia, the country features a central lowland river valley dominated by the Irrawaddy River, which flows into the Andaman Sea. It is flanked by mountain ranges such as the Arakan Mountains in the west and the Shan Hills in the east, which form natural borders with neighboring countries. Major cities include the coastal metropolis of Yangon, the planned capital Naypyidaw, and cultural centers like Mandalay and Bagan. The climate is predominantly tropical monsoon, with diverse ecosystems ranging from the deltaic mangroves to the northern highlands near Putao.

Government and politics

The country is governed as a unitary state under the authority of the military junta known as the State Administration Council, chaired by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. The political landscape has been heavily influenced by the Tatmadaw, which has repeatedly seized power, most recently in the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état. The National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won decisive victories in the 2015 and 2020 elections but was removed from power by the military. Internal conflict persists with various ethnic armed organisations, including the Kachin Independence Army and Karen National Liberation Army.

Economy

The economy is largely based on agriculture, with rice being the primary crop and export, alongside significant production of teak, rubber, and opium. Natural resources play a crucial role, including extraction of jade and rubies from mines in areas like Hpakant, as well as natural gas reserves offshore in the Bay of Bengal. Major trading partners include China, Thailand, and Singapore, with key infrastructure projects like the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor and the Kyaukphyu port. The financial center is Yangon, home to the Yangon Stock Exchange.

Demographics

The population is ethnically diverse, with the Bamar people constituting the majority, alongside significant groups such as the Shan people, Karen people, Rakhine people, and Chinese. Religious affiliation is predominantly Theravada Buddhism, practiced by most Bamar, with minorities adhering to Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. The Rohingya people, a Muslim minority primarily from Rakhine State, have been at the center of a major refugee crisis. Languages include the official Burmese language, as well as numerous indigenous languages like Shan and Karen languages.

Culture

The culture is deeply influenced by Theravada Buddhism, evident in festivals like Thingyan and countless pagodas such as the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Traditional arts include Burmese puppetry, Burmese dance, and the distinctive Burmese lacquerware from Bagan. Literature has a long history, with classical works like the Yama Zatdaw and modern writers such as Thakin Kodaw Hmaing. The national sport is chinlone, and Lethwei, a form of traditional boxing, is also popular. Cuisine features staples like Mohinga and Lahpet, and the film industry, centered in Yangon, dates back to the early 20th century.

Category:Myanmar Category:Southeast Asian countries