FAST FACTS
Area: 676,577 sq km
Population: 43,668,000
Capital (population): Yangon (2,513,000)
Government: Military dictatorship
Ethnic groups: Burman 69%
Shan 9%
Karen 6%
Rakhine 5%
Mon 2%
Kachin 1%
Languages: Burmese (official)
Religions: Buddhism 89%
Christianity 5%
Islam 4%
Currency: Kyat = 100 pyas
GDP per capita: US$ 280
Burma became independent from the British empire in
1948, having been one of the main regions of fighting
against the Japanese during the Second World War. Burma
adopted the name Myanmar only recently. Since independence,
the country has remained relatively isolated, having
adopted a "Burmese Way to Socialism", a fact which when
declared in 1962, at the height of the Cold War, put
Myanmar at loggerheads with the NATO countries.
In more recent years, staying a partially closed country,
Myanmar has become a military dictatorship, following
the suppression of democratic elections. This situation
has put off most foreign investors, despite the Myanmar
government courting inward investment, who are wary
of being associated with a government accused of political
suppression, and even genocide against certain of the
hill tribes which have been in a state of civil war
against the military regime.
Some companies have invested in Myanmar, notably drinks
companies and tobacco companies, but the average level
of income in Myanmar is still very low, thanks largely
to its long term isolation. The future of Myanmar's
development is difficult to assess, and much will depend
on the political situation in the country. Certainly,
as neighbouring countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia,
and even Vietnam and Cambodia, become more economically
viable, an influence is bound to take hold eventually.
However, the prospects for consumerism in Myanmar in
the short to medium terms still looks to be modest,
especially in comparison with the kind of development
which will continue to be witnessed in neighbouring
countries.
MYANMAR LINKS
http://www.cebaf.gov/%7Ekhet/burma.html
http://sunsite.nus.sg/SEAlinks/burma-info.html
