Union of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia, or Indochina. The country is bordered by the People's Republic of China on the northeast, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, India on the northwest, and the Bay of Bengal to the southwest with the Gulf of Martaban and Andaman Sea defining its southern periphery. With an estimated population of 50 million that comsists of 135 ethnic minority groups, Myanmar has plenty of wonders for the eye -- sinuous, life-giving rivers, lush mountain forests, ancient temples/stupas, rich and diversified culture and intricately-drawn cities. The country's culture, heavily influenced by neighbours, is based on Theravada Buddhism intertwined with local elements.
Myanmar's population includes dozens of different racial and ethnic groups, including the Mon, Burmans, Kachins, Chins, Shans, Rakhine, and Karens, each of which have historically dominated a particular area of the country. Although Burmese is the major and official language, more than a hundred local and regional dialects are spoken throughout Myanmar.
The History of Burma/Myanmar, is long and complicated. Several ethnic groups have lived in the region, the oldest of which are probably the Mon or the Pyu. In the 9th century the Bamar (Burman) people migrated from the then China-Tibet border region into the valley of the Ayeyarwady, and now form the governing majority. There were several kingdoms that had ruled the land of Burma in history, ie. Mon Kingdoms, Bagan dynasty, Ava, Pegu, Mrauk U, Toungoo dynasty and the last kingdom being that of Konbaung Dynasty. The British controlled the whole of Myanmar in 1886.
Myanmar gained its independence in 1948. [Source: Wikipedia]
Myanmar's population includes dozens of different racial and ethnic groups, including the Mon, Burmans, Kachins, Chins, Shans, Rakhine, and Karens, each of which have historically dominated a particular area of the country. Although Burmese is the major and official language, more than a hundred local and regional dialects are spoken throughout Myanmar.
The History of Burma/Myanmar, is long and complicated. Several ethnic groups have lived in the region, the oldest of which are probably the Mon or the Pyu. In the 9th century the Bamar (Burman) people migrated from the then China-Tibet border region into the valley of the Ayeyarwady, and now form the governing majority. There were several kingdoms that had ruled the land of Burma in history, ie. Mon Kingdoms, Bagan dynasty, Ava, Pegu, Mrauk U, Toungoo dynasty and the last kingdom being that of Konbaung Dynasty. The British controlled the whole of Myanmar in 1886.
Myanmar gained its independence in 1948. [Source: Wikipedia]
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