Myanmar

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Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. Its capital city is Naypyidaw, and its largest city is Yangon (Rangoon).[1][2]

Etymology

The term Myanmar derives from the Burmese word "Myanma," which is the literary name of the majority Bamar ethnic group. The name change from Burma to Myanmar was enacted in 1989 by the military government.

History

Early History Myanmar has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period, with evidence of human settlements dating back to around 11,000 BCE. The Pyu civilization, one of the earliest urban civilizations in Southeast Asia, flourished in Myanmar's central dry zone from around the 1st century BCE to the 9th century CE.[3]

Kingdoms and Empires Myanmar has a history of powerful kingdoms and empires, including the Pagan Kingdom, which unified the region in the 11th century and saw the construction of thousands of Buddhist temples and pagodas. The Toungoo Dynasty expanded Myanmar's territory to its greatest extent in the 16th century.

British Colonization In the 19th century, Myanmar was colonized by the British Empire following the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826). Myanmar became a province of British India until 1937 when it was separated and administered as a separate colony.

Independence and Military Rule Myanmar gained independence from British rule on January 4, 1948. However, the country has experienced decades of military rule and political turmoil since then. In 1962, General Ne Win led a coup d'état, establishing a military dictatorship that lasted until 2011.

Recent Developments In recent years, Myanmar has undergone significant political reforms. A semi-civilian government was established in 2011, and Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), became the de facto leader of the country. However, the military still wielded considerable power, and ethnic conflicts persisted.

Geography

Myanmar covers an area of approximately 676,578 square kilometers (261,227 square miles). The country's diverse geography includes mountains, plains, and coastal regions. The Irrawaddy River basin is the country's most important agricultural area.[4]

Demographics

Myanmar is a multiethnic nation with a population of over 54 million people. The Bamar ethnic group is the largest, but there are also significant populations of Shan, Karen, Rakhine, and other ethnic groups. Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by the majority of the population.

Economy

Myanmar's economy is primarily agrarian, with agriculture accounting for a significant portion of the GDP and employing the majority of the workforce. The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and minerals. However, economic development has been hampered by decades of isolation and mismanagement.

Culture

Myanmar has a rich cultural heritage influenced by Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous traditions. The country is known for its traditional arts, including puppetry, dance, and music. Burmese cuisine is diverse and features flavors and ingredients from various regions.

References