The document summarizes the history and demographics of Myanmar (Burma). It states that from 1962 to 2011, Myanmar was ruled by a military junta that suppressed dissent and committed human rights abuses. Ethnic minorities make up the population, including the Karen, Shan, Mon, Chin, Kachin, Rakhine and Karenni groups. Buddhism is the dominant religion and has influenced Burmese culture.

1. Let the voyage begin...

2. Myanmar, also known as Burma, was long considered a
pariah state, isolated from the rest of the world with an
appalling human rights record.
From 1962 to 2011, the country was ruled by a military junta
that suppressed almost all dissent and wielded absolute
power in the face of international condemnation and
sanctions.
The generals who ran the country stood accused of gross
human rights abuses, including the forcible relocation of
civilians and the widespread use of forced labour, including
children.
The first general election in 20 years was held in 2010. This
was hailed by the junta as an important step in the transition
from military rule to a civilian democracy, though opposition
groups alleged widespread fraud and condemned the
election as a sham.
Overview
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This large temple was built by King
Nantaungmya in 1218. The temple is
known to be the last Myanmar Style
temple built in Bagan. The name
is a misreading of the Pali word for
‘Blessings of the Three Worlds’.
Htilominlo Temple is situated
close to the road between
Nyaung U and Bagan, and about
1.5 km northeast of Bagan.

3. 5
GeographicInformation
Population:
50,519,000
Capital:
NayPyiTaw
Area:
676,552squarekilometers(261,218squaremiles)
Language:
Burmese,minorlanguages

4. The main ethnic groups living in the seven ethnic
minority states of Burma are the Karen, Shan, Mon,
Chin, Kachin, Rakhine and Karenni. Other main groups
include the Nagas, who live in north Burma and are
estimated to number about 100,000, constituting
another complex family of Tibetan-Burmese language
subgroups. To these long-established minorities should
be added more recent arrivals, who now constitute
substantial numbers in the country, such as the Indians,
Pa-O, Wa, Kokang, Palaung, Akha, Lahu, etc.
Some of the minorities share Theravada Buddhism with
the Burmese majority, though there are also substantial
communities of Muslims, Hindus, Christians and
animists.
People
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5. Myanmar’swealthofBuddhisttempleshasboostedthe
increasinglyimportanttourismindustry,whichisthemost
obviousareaforanyfutureforeigninvestment.
Of Burma’s 60 million people, it is estimated that at least
500,000 are Buddhist monks and another 75,000 are nuns.
For centuries Buddhism has permeated Burmese culture.
Indeed, Buddhism is credited with binding together the
diverse ethnic groups within its borders and making them
one nation. For centuries monks were the chief educators of
Burma, spreading knowledge and literacy.
Nats are guardian spirits from Burmese folklore. King
Anawratha wanted to put an end to nat worship, but this
proved to be so unpopular that he allowed nat worship to
continue. Anawratha designated 37 official nats, which are
the Great Nats, although there are a host of lesser nats.
Thus nats came to be incorporated into Burmese Buddhism.
Images of nats adorn Buddhist temples, and people make
offerings to nats to ask for favors.
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Mount Kyaiktiyo (Kyite Htee Yoe)
is famous for the huge golden
rock perched at its summit, is one of
the three most sacred religious sites in
Myanmar.
Pilgrims come here from far and
wide to worship and add gold
leaf to the rock, which seems
to defy gravity by delicately
balancing on the edge of the
1100-metre high mountain.
Spirituality