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Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia, formerly known as Burma. The name of the country was changed in 1989, and this change of name has been officially recognized by the United Nations. However, some nations, such as the United States and United Kingdom, do not recognize this change of name, since they do not recognize the military government which instituted it. Today, many people use Myanmar, which is a derivative of the Burmese short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw, regardless of their opinion of the military government.
[Top] HistoryMain article: History of Myanmar Previously an independent kingdom, in 1886 Burma was annexed by the British Empire to the colony of India. The Japanese Empire invaded and occupied the country during World War 2 but it was returned to British control. In 1948 the nation became sovereign, as the Union of Burma, with U Nu as the first Prime Minister. Democratic rule ended in 1962 with a military coup led by General Ne Win. Win ruled for nearly 26 years, bringing in harsh reforms. In 1990 free elections were held, but were voided by the military, which refused to step down. [Top] PoliticsMain article: Politics of Myanmar Burma has been under military rule since 1988. The current head of state is General Thann Shwe who holds the title of "Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council." His appointed Prime Minister is Khin Nyunt. Almost all cabinet offices are held by military officers. The regime has a poor human rights record, and there is no independent judiciary. Political opposition is not tolerated. Aung San Suu Kyi, who was elected Prime Minister in 1990 yet prevented by military from taking office, has earned international praise as an activist for democratic rule to return to Myanmar. She has been repeatedly placed under house arrest, although in recent years the regime has been willing to enter partial negoiations with her and her party, the National League for Democracy. [Top] Administrative divisionsMain article: Administrative divisions of Myanmar Myanmar is divided into 7 divisions and 7 states. The divisions are Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi and Yangon. The states are Chin State, Kachin State, Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State, Rakhine State, and Shan State. [Top] GeographyMain article: Geography of Myanmar [Top] EconomyMain article: Economy of Myanmar [Top] DemographicsMain article: Demographics of Myanmar [Top] CultureMain article: music of Myanmar) [Top] Miscellaneous topics
[Top] See also
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