What is the official name of Myanmar, and what was its previous English name?

The official name of Myanmar is the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. It was previously known in English as Burma until 1989.

What is the capital city of Myanmar, and what is its largest city?

The capital city of Myanmar is Naypyidaw. Its largest city is Yangon, which was formerly known as Rangoon.

Which early civilizations inhabited the region that is now Myanmar, and what were their general locations?

The region now known as Myanmar was home to early civilizations including the Tibeto-Burman-speaking Pyu city-states, primarily located in Upper Myanmar, and the Mon kingdoms, situated in Lower Myanmar.

When did the Bamar people enter the Irrawaddy valley, and what significant kingdom did they establish later?

The Bamar people entered the upper Irrawaddy valley in the 9th century. Subsequently, they established the Pagan Kingdom in the 1050s, which marked a period of increasing dominance for the Burmese language, culture, and Theravada Buddhism.

What led to the fall of the Pagan Kingdom, and what followed this event?

The Pagan Kingdom collapsed following Mongol invasions in the late 13th century. This event led to the emergence of several competing states in the region.

Which dynasty reunified Myanmar in the 16th century, and what was the extent of its empire?

The Taungoo dynasty successfully reunified Myanmar in the mid-16th century. Its successor, Bayinnaung, expanded the empire to encompass a vast area of mainland Southeast Asia, making it the largest empire in the region's history for a brief period.

How did British rule become established in Myanmar?

British rule was established in Myanmar through a series of conflicts known as the Anglo-Burmese Wars throughout the 19th century. Following these wars, the British East India Company gained control, and Myanmar eventually became a British colony.

What significant political event occurred in Myanmar in 1962, and what was its immediate consequence?

In 1962, a coup d'état led by the military took place in Myanmar. This event resulted in the establishment of a military dictatorship, initially under a revolutionary council and later under the Burma Socialist Programme Party.

What was the 8888 Uprising, and what was its outcome?

The 8888 Uprising in 1988 was a widespread pro-democracy movement characterized by demonstrations against the military government. Although it led to a nominal transition towards a multi-party system, the military council ultimately retained power.

What is the nature of the ongoing conflicts within Myanmar?

Myanmar has experienced persistent unrest and conflict since gaining independence in 1948. These civil wars are primarily driven by struggles for ethnic and sub-national autonomy, predominantly occurring in areas outside the central Bamar regions.

What is the official stance of the United Nations and other organizations regarding human rights in Myanmar?

The United Nations and various international human rights organizations have consistently reported and condemned widespread and systematic human rights violations occurring in Myanmar.

What major political reforms or changes occurred in Myanmar following the 2010 general election?

Following the 2010 general election, Myanmar saw significant political shifts, including the dissolution of the military junta, the installation of a nominally civilian government, the release of political prisoners, and improvements in foreign relations and economic sanctions, spurred by the reforms initiated by President Thein Sein.

What event led to the re-establishment of military rule in Myanmar in 2021?

The military, known as the Tatmadaw, seized power in a coup d'état on February 1, 2021, following the landslide victory of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) in the 2020 general election. This coup led to widespread protests and political repression.

What is the origin of the country's name, and why is it a point of contention?

The names 'Burma' and 'Myanmar' both originate from the Burmese term 'Mranma' or 'Mramma,' referring to the majority Burman ethnic group. The official change from 'Burma' to 'Myanmar' in 1989 by the military government remains a contested issue, with many opposition groups and countries continuing to use 'Burma' due to their non-recognition of the military regime's authority.

What are the primary language families found in Myanmar?

Myanmar is linguistically diverse, hosting four major language families: Sino-Tibetan, Tai-Kadai, Austroasiatic, and Indo-European.

What is the official language of Myanmar, and what script does it use?

The official language of Myanmar is Burmese, which is written using the Burmese script. This script was adapted from the Mon script, which in turn was developed from a southern Indian script.

What is the dominant religion in Myanmar, and what other religions are practiced?

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Myanmar, practiced by a large majority of the population, primarily in its Theravada form. Other religions practiced include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and various tribal religions.

What is the general state of healthcare in Myanmar, and what is the government's expenditure on it?

The healthcare system in Myanmar is generally considered poor. The government's expenditure on healthcare is notably low, consistently ranking among the lowest globally as a percentage of the country's GDP.

What is the literacy rate in Myanmar, and what is the historical context of its education system?

Myanmar's official literacy rate was recorded at 90% as of 2000. Historically, the country has maintained high literacy rates, and its education system largely follows a structure modeled after the United Kingdom's system, a legacy of the British colonial period.

What is Myanmar's ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index, and what is its role in the global drug trade?

In 2012, Myanmar was ranked very low, at 171st out of 176 countries, in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index. Furthermore, it plays a significant role in the global drug trade, being the world's second-largest producer of opium and the largest producer of methamphetamines, largely centered in the Golden Triangle region.

What are the traditional sports and martial arts of Myanmar?

Myanmar boasts a rich tradition of sports and martial arts, including Lethwei, Bando, Banshay, Pongyi thaing, and Chinlone.

How has the film industry in Myanmar been affected by the country's political climate?

Myanmar's film industry has been significantly impacted by the country's political climate, facing government control, strict censorship, and restrictions on artists involved in political activities, which has led to a shift in production towards comedies and direct-to-video releases.

What is the estimated internet penetration in Myanmar compared to other countries?

Internet penetration in Myanmar is estimated to be relatively low when compared to many other countries. Historically, internet usage was also subject to strict censorship until reforms in 2012.

What is the official name of the military in Myanmar, and what are its main branches?

The official name of Myanmar's military is the Tatmadaw. It is comprised of three main branches: the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.

What is the significance of the Panglong Agreement in Myanmar's history?

The Panglong Agreement, negotiated by Aung San, was a pivotal moment in Myanmar's history as it aimed to unify the country by combining Burma Proper with the Frontier Areas, thereby guaranteeing independence as a single, unified state.

What is the primary agricultural product of Myanmar, and how has its production changed?

Rice is the primary agricultural product in Myanmar, covering approximately 60% of the nation's cultivated land. Its production has seen significant increases over the decades, partly due to the introduction of modern rice varieties and improved agricultural practices.

What precious stones is Myanmar known for exporting, and which is its biggest earner?

Myanmar is renowned for exporting precious stones such as rubies, sapphires, pearls, and jade. Among these, rubies are the country's biggest earner, with Myanmar being the source of about 90% of the world's rubies.

What are the most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar?

Myanmar offers a variety of popular tourist destinations, including major cities like Yangon and Mandalay, significant religious sites, natural landscapes around Inle Lake, ancient historical cities such as Bagan, and beautiful beaches like Ngapali.

What was the provisional population of Myanmar according to the 2014 Census?

According to the provisional results of the 2014 Myanmar Census, the country's population was estimated at 51,419,420, a figure that included an estimate for individuals not counted in certain regions.

What is the fertility rate in Myanmar, and how has it changed over time?

Myanmar's fertility rate was recorded at 2.23 children per woman in 2011, which represents a notable decline from previous decades, indicating a trend towards lower birth rates.

What are the main ethnic groups in Myanmar, and what percentage of the population does the Bamar group constitute?

Myanmar is ethnically diverse, with the Bamar group constituting approximately 68% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include the Shan, Karen, and Rakhine.

What is the primary religion practiced in Myanmar, and what percentage of the population identifies with it according to the 2014 Census?

The primary religion practiced in Myanmar is Buddhism, with the 2014 Census indicating that 87.9% of the population identifies as Buddhist.

What is the significance of the Shinbyu ceremony in Burmese culture?

The Shinbyu ceremony is a culturally significant coming-of-age event in Burmese tradition, particularly for boys, involving their temporary entry into a monastery as novices.

What is the historical context of the Burmese language and its script?

The Burmese language, the official language of Myanmar, is written using the Burmese script, which has roots in ancient southern Indian scripts via the Mon script. The earliest known inscriptions in this script date back to the 11th century.

What are the main challenges faced by the healthcare system in Myanmar?

Myanmar's healthcare system faces significant challenges, including low government expenditure, a lack of essential facilities and equipment in public hospitals, and the requirement for patients to pay for medical services and supplies.

What is the significance of the 2015 Myanmar general election in the country's political history?

The 2015 Myanmar general election marked a significant milestone as the first openly contested election since 1990, leading to a substantial victory for the National League for Democracy and ushering in a period of civilian government.

What is the current status of the civil war in Myanmar as of early 2025?

As of early 2025, the civil war in Myanmar, which intensified following the 2021 coup, remains ongoing. The conflict involves various ethnic armed organizations and resistance forces clashing with the military junta.

What is the significance of the Golden Triangle in relation to Myanmar's economy and illicit activities?

The Golden Triangle, encompassing parts of Myanmar, is notorious as a major hub for illicit activities, particularly opium and methamphetamine production, significantly impacting the regional economy and security.

What historical event led to the expulsion or emigration of a significant portion of Myanmar's Indian and Chinese populations?

Following the military coup in 1962 and subsequent nationalization policies, a substantial number of Myanmar's Indian and Chinese populations were expelled or chose to emigrate due to racial discrimination and economic changes.

What is the primary reason cited for the ongoing civil wars in Myanmar since its independence?

The primary drivers of Myanmar's ongoing civil wars since its independence in 1948 have been the pursuit of ethnic and sub-national autonomy by various groups, primarily in regions surrounding the dominant Bamar ethnic group's territories.

What is the significance of the "lu-myo" term in the context of Myanmar's ethnic diversity?

The term 'lu-myo' in Myanmar is significant as it is used to refer to a 'type of person' and encompasses concepts of race, ethnicity, and religion, reflecting a cultural understanding that differs from Western distinctions and has posed challenges in demographic data collection.

What is the reported impact of heavy logging in Myanmar since 1995?

Heavy logging in Myanmar, particularly since the implementation of the 1995 forestry law, has had a detrimental effect on the country's environment, leading to a significant reduction in forest cover and wildlife habitat.

What role did the monastery play in traditional Burmese village life?

In traditional Burmese villages, the monastery was a central pillar of cultural and social life, serving as a place of learning, spiritual guidance, and community gathering, with monks holding a revered status.

What is the status of homosexual acts in Myanmar according to its laws?

Homosexual acts are illegal in Myanmar and carry a potential penalty of life imprisonment under the country's laws.

What is the primary source of income for the government from tourism services?

The government of Myanmar derives a substantial portion of its revenue from the tourism sector, receiving a significant percentage of the income generated by private-sector tourism services.

What is the historical context of the Burmese language and its script?

The Burmese language, the official language of Myanmar, is written using the Burmese script, which has roots in ancient southern Indian scripts via the Mon script. The earliest known inscriptions in this script date back to the 11th century.

What is the general state of healthcare in Myanmar, and what is the government's expenditure on it?

Myanmar's healthcare system is generally considered poor, with the government's expenditure on healthcare being notably low, consistently ranking among the lowest globally as a percentage of the country's GDP.

What are the traditional sports and martial arts of Myanmar?

Myanmar boasts a rich tradition of sports and martial arts, including Lethwei, Bando, Banshay, Pongyi thaing, and Chinlone.

What is the significance of the 2015 Myanmar general election in the country's political history?

The 2015 Myanmar general election marked a significant milestone as the first openly contested election since 1990, leading to a substantial victory for the National League for Democracy and ushering in a period of civilian government.

Myanmar Wiki: Myanmar: A Nation's Journey Through Time and Terrain

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Introduction

Geographic Context

The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, commonly known as Myanmar or formerly Burma, is a sovereign state situated in Northwest Southeast Asia. It holds the distinction of being the largest country by land area within Mainland Southeast Asia. Its strategic location is defined by borders with India and Bangladesh to the northwest, China to the northeast, Laos and Thailand to the east and southeast, and the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south and southwest.^[16]

Demographics and Urban Centers

Myanmar's population is estimated at approximately 55 million people, making it the 26th most populous country globally.^[9] The nation's administrative capital is Naypyidaw, while its most populous city and former capital is Yangon.^[16] The populace is ethnically diverse, with the Bamar ethnic group constituting the majority.

Political Landscape

Myanmar is constitutionally defined as a unitary assembly-independent republic. However, its recent history has been significantly shaped by periods of military rule, including the coup d'état in February 2021 which led to the current military junta governing the nation.^[22] This political context continues to influence the country's internal affairs and international relations.

Historical Trajectory

Ancient Foundations

The region's early history is marked by the presence of Tibeto-Burman speaking Pyu city-states in Upper Myanmar and Mon kingdoms in Lower Myanmar.^[17] The Bamar people established the Pagan Kingdom in the 11th century, which facilitated the spread of Burmese language, culture, and Theravada Buddhism, gradually becoming dominant.^[18] The kingdom's collapse following Mongol invasions led to a period of fragmentation before reunification under the Taungoo dynasty.

Dynastic Eras and Expansion

The Taungoo dynasty, particularly under Bayinnaung, forged one of the largest empires in Southeast Asian history for a brief period.^[18] Later, the Konbaung dynasty expanded its influence, engaging in conflicts with neighboring states and eventually facing the encroaching British East India Company. This era saw significant administrative reforms and cultural development.

Colonial Period and Independence

Following three Anglo-Burmese Wars in the 19th century, Myanmar became a British colony.^[74] The country endured Japanese occupation during World War II before being liberated by the Allies. On January 4, 1948, Myanmar declared its independence, opting not to join the Commonwealth.^[84]

Military Rule and Transition

A military coup in 1962 ushered in decades of military rule, characterized by nationalization policies and political repression.^[88] The 8888 Uprising in 1988 led to a nominal transition to a multi-party system, but military control persisted. A period of liberalization began in 2011, marked by political reforms and the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, culminating in the 2015 elections.^[129]

Recent Instability

The 2020 general election saw a landslide victory for Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD).^[132] However, the military Tatmadaw seized power in a coup d'état on February 1, 2021, detaining civilian leaders and initiating widespread protests and a renewed civil war.^[22]^[23]

Geography and Environment

Landmass and Borders

Myanmar spans 678,500 square kilometers (262,000 sq mi), situated between 9° and 29°N latitude and 92° and 102°E longitude.^[16] Its extensive borders connect it with India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand, while its coastline stretches along the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea.^[16]

Topography and Hydrology

The country is characterized by diverse topography, including the Hengduan Mountains in the north and ranges like the Rakhine Yoma and Shan Hills running north-to-south. Myanmar's major river systems are the Irrawaddy, Salween (Thanlwin), and Sittaung rivers, with the Irrawaddy being the longest and most vital.^[157] Fertile plains are found in the river valleys, supporting the majority of the population.

Climate Patterns

Myanmar experiences a monsoon climate. Coastal areas receive substantial rainfall exceeding 5,000 mm annually, while the central dry zone receives less than 1,000 mm.^[157] Temperatures vary regionally, with northern areas being cooler and coastal regions experiencing higher maximum temperatures.

Biodiversity and Environment

Myanmar is a biodiverse nation, hosting numerous plant, mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian species.^[165] Despite significant natural resources and ecosystems, environmental challenges persist due to land use changes and over-exploitation. The country faces considerable vulnerability to climate change, prompting efforts towards renewable energy and emission reduction.^[161]

Government and Politics

Structure and Leadership

Myanmar operates as a unitary assembly-independent republic under its 2008 constitution.^[117] Since the February 2021 coup, the military, led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing, has held effective power as the State Administration Council.^[22] The civilian government, including Aung San Suu Kyi, was deposed, and the country remains under a state of emergency.^[144]

Legislative and Historical Context

The national legislature is the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, though its functions have been suspended following the coup.^[e] Myanmar's political history is marked by transitions between civilian and military rule, with significant events including the 1962 and 1988 coups, the 1990 elections, and the 2011-2021 period of liberalization.^[129]

Culture and Society

Language and Identity

The official language is Burmese, with various regional languages recognized.^[1] The name of the country, Myanmar versus Burma, has been a subject of political contention, with both names deriving from the ethnonym for the majority Burman ethnic group.^[31]^[32]

Ethnic and Religious Diversity

Myanmar is home to numerous ethnic groups, including the Bamar, Karen, Rakhine, Shan, Mon, Chin, and Kachin.^[2]^[3]^[4] Buddhism is the predominant religion, followed by Christianity, Islam, and other faiths.^[5]^[c]

Economy and Resources

Economic Indicators

Myanmar's economy is characterized by significant natural resource wealth, including jade, gems, oil, natural gas, and teak.^[25] However, it faces challenges such as wide income inequality, corruption, and underdeveloped infrastructure, contributing to its classification as one of the least developed countries.^[15]^[26]

Development and Trade

The country's Human Development Index (HDI) is ranked 150th globally, indicating a medium level of development.^[15] The economy is heavily influenced by cronyism associated with the military junta, impacting overall development and international economic engagement.^[28]

Conflict and Displacement

Persistent Internal Strife

Myanmar has experienced protracted internal conflicts since its independence, primarily driven by ethnic and sub-national autonomy struggles.^[105] These conflicts involve numerous ethnic groups and have led to significant internal displacement and humanitarian crises.

International Relations and Conflict

The country's political instability and human rights record have drawn international condemnation and sanctions.^[19] The post-2021 coup era has seen a resurgence of civil war, with widespread protests and escalating violence, impacting regional stability and international partnerships.^[23]

Humanitarian Crisis

As of December 2024, over 1.3 million people are registered as refugees and asylum seekers, with an additional 3.5 million internally displaced persons. The ongoing civil war has left millions in dire need of humanitarian assistance.^[30]

Administrative Divisions

Structure of Governance

Myanmar is administratively structured into seven states and seven regions, further subdivided into districts, townships, wards, and villages. Regions are primarily inhabited by the majority Bamar population, while states are designated for specific ethnic minority groups.^[159] As of April 2022, there are 121 districts across these divisions.

No.	State/Region	Districts	Townships	Cities/Towns	Wards	Village groups	Villages
1	Kachin State	6	18	32	172	594	2547
2	Kayah State	4	7	10	44	74	517
3	Kayin State	5	7	18	86	376	2092
4	Chin State	4	9	18	66	464	1347
5	Sagaing Region	10	37	50	271	1755	5989
6	Tanintharyi Region	4	10	18	90	267	1237
7	Bago Region	6	28	52	328	1414	6487
8	Magway Region	7	25	32	199	1538	4788
9	Mandalay Region	11	28	30	280	1415	4799
10	Mon State	4	10	17	106	366	1143
11	Rakhine State	7	17	26	171	1045	3741
12	Yangon Region	14	45	21	743	621	2143
13	Shan State	20	55	86	513	1562	13773
14	Ayeyarwady Region	8	26	45	300	1919	11864
15	Naypyidaw Union Territory	4	8	8	58	187	796
	Total	121	330	463	3427	13597	63268

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Myanmar" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about myanmar while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

References

The National Defence and Security Council serves as the temporary legislative body while the Hluttaw is dissolved.

"Office Of Refugee Resettlement: Data". U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

"Ethnic and Religious Diversity: Myanmar's Unfolding Nemesis", Matthews, Bruce, Institute of South East Asian Studies, Visiting Researcher Series, Volume 2001, No. 3. 2001.

Chronicle of National Development Comparison Between Period Preceding 1988 and after (up to 31 December 2006).

Through the Director's Lens. Irrawaddy. 16 January 2009

A full list of references for this article are available at the Myanmar Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been meticulously crafted by an AI content editor, drawing upon a comprehensive dataset derived from publicly available information. It is intended for educational and informational purposes, offering an academic perspective on Myanmar's multifaceted identity.

This is not professional advice. The content presented herein does not constitute geopolitical, historical, economic, or legal counsel. Users are advised to consult with qualified experts and official sources for specific guidance or verification. The information provided is based on data available up to the last update and may not reflect the most current developments.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment and cross-reference information with authoritative sources.

Myanmar: A Nation's Journey

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction 🗺️

📍 Geographic Context

👥 Demographics and Urban Centers

🏛️ Political Landscape

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🏺 Ancient Foundations

👑 Dynastic Eras and Expansion

🇬🇧 Colonial Period and Independence

military Military Rule and Transition

💥 Recent Instability

Geography and Environment ⛰️

🌍 Landmass and Borders

🏞️ Topography and Hydrology

🌡️ Climate Patterns

🌳 Biodiversity and Environment

Government and Politics ⚖️

🏛️ Structure and Leadership

📜 Legislative and Historical Context

Culture and Society 🎭

🗣️ Language and Identity

🤝 Ethnic and Religious Diversity

Economy and Resources 💰

📈 Economic Indicators

📊 Development and Trade

Conflict and Displacement ⚔️

⚔️ Persistent Internal Strife

🌍 International Relations and Conflict

🏠 Humanitarian Crisis

Administrative Divisions 🏛️

🗺️ Structure of Governance

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

Geographic Context

Demographics and Urban Centers

Political Landscape

Historical Trajectory

Ancient Foundations

Dynastic Eras and Expansion

Colonial Period and Independence

Military Rule and Transition

Recent Instability

Geography and Environment

Landmass and Borders

Topography and Hydrology

Climate Patterns

Biodiversity and Environment

Government and Politics

Structure and Leadership

Legislative and Historical Context

Culture and Society

Language and Identity

Ethnic and Religious Diversity

Economy and Resources

Economic Indicators

Development and Trade

Conflict and Displacement

Persistent Internal Strife

International Relations and Conflict

Humanitarian Crisis

Administrative Divisions

Structure of Governance

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice