Burma/Myanmar
Country Facts
Population
|
48.1 million |
| Language/ Nationality |
Burmese |
| Size |
678,500 sq km
|
Capital
|
Yangon |
| Bordering Countries |
Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand
|
| Religion |
Buddhist 89%, Christian 4%, Muslim 4%, Other 3% |
| Ethnic Minorities |
Shan, Karen, Karenni, Wa, Chin, Mon, Rohyinga
|
The second half of last century saw many tumultuous changes in Burma’s rule. Burma gained independence from British rule in 1948 and then, in 1962, a short period of democratic rule ended when General Ne Win led a military coup d’e’tat. Between 1962 and 1974 Burma was ruled by a revolutionary council and most aspects of society were nationalised or brought under government control. The Burma Socialist Programme Party, a one-party government headed by General Ne Win, held control between 1974 and 1988. During this period human rights abuses escalated and Burma became one of the poorest countries in the world.
In 1988 civilians held pro-democracy demonstrations protesting against economic mismanagement and political oppression. Now known as the 8888 Uprising, thousands of demonstrators were killed and many more fled the country. In another coup d’e’tat General Saw Maung took control and formed the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC, now the State Peace and Development Council - SPDC), which proceeded to declare martial law in 1989, the same year that they changed the official name from the English “Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma” to the “Union of Myanmar”.
In 1990 the first free elections were held to be held in 30 years saw the National League for Democracy, headed by Aung San Suu Kyi, win sweeping majority, only to have the election results annulled by SLORC and military rule continue. In 1992 the military regime, lead by Than Shwe, orchestrated cease-fire agreements with many of the ethnic guerrilla groups who had been fighting for recognition or independence for decades.
Civil war has plagued the country for the last 60 years. At some stages around 20 ethnic groups have participated in and suffered from armed conflict as they engage to protect their land, culture, peace and autonomy. This civil war precipitates the poverty endured by many Burmese.
Burma has one of the worst human rights records of any country. Human rights violations include the abuse of freedom of speech and freedom of religion, confiscation of land, forced labour, systemic torture and rape of members of ethnic minority groups, laying of landmines in civilian zones and kidnapping of children into forced military service. The government also continues to raid the homes of people who they believe to be supporters of pro-democracy protests in order to maintain power.
In 2008 the Burmese constitutional referendum was held in the run up to the 2010 elections. Although major infrastructure developments, tapping into the countries rich oil, gas and water resources are supported by neighbouring nations who stand to benefit, many countries impose sanctions on Burma in the hope of influencing yet to be fulfilled peaceful reform. Burma is a member of ASEAN.
