worldwidewandering - a travel atlas / Discuss

worldwidewandering    says:

-- from Eastenhuh - (?)

Capital: Naypidaw
Languages: Burmese, indigenous
Ethnic Groups: Bamar (Burmese) 69%, Shan 9%, Kayin 6%, Rakhine 5%
Religions: Buddhist 89%, Muslim 4%, Christian 4%
Monetary Unit: Kyat (MMK 104)

- from derAmialtebloede
Large Map

Myanmar, officially Union of Myanmar (pronounced [pjìdàunzṵ mjəmà nàinŋàndɔ̀] is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia. It is also known as Burma or the Union of Burma by many bodies and states which do not recognize the ruling military junta. On 4 January 1948, Burma achieved independence from the United Kingdom as the “Union of Burma”. Subsequent name changes were on 4 January 1974, to the “Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma”; 23 September 1988, to the “Union of Burma” and, since 18 June 1989, the “Union of Myanmar”. Myanmar is bordered by the People's Republic of China on the north, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, and India on the northwest, with the Andaman Sea to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the southwest. One-third of Myanmar's total perimeter, 1,930 km (1,199 mi), forms an uninterrupted coastline.

Myanmar's diverse population has played a major role in defining its politics, history and demographics in modern times. Its political system remains under the tight control of the State Peace and Development Council, the military government led by Senior General Than Shwe since 1992. Part of the British Empire until 1948, Myanmar continues to struggle to mend its ethnic tensions and overcome coups d'état. The country's culture, heavily influenced by neighbours, is based on a unique form of Buddhism intertwined with local elements...more
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On flickr:
• Myanmar
• Southeast Asia Images
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Other Forums:
• Lonely Planet Thorntree: Myanmar

Originally posted at 1:19PM, 2 October 2006 PST ( permalink )
worldwidewandering edited this topic 12 months ago.