Overview
Burma, also known as Myanmar, is ruled by a military junta which suppresses almost all dissent and wields absolute power in the face of international condemnation and sanctions. The generals and the army stand accused of gross human rights abuses, including the forcible relocation of civilians and the widespread use of forced labour, which includes children.
Map
Facts
| Official name | Union of Myanmar |
|---|---|
| Population: | 49.2 million (UN, 2008) |
| Capital: | Nay Pyi Taw |
| Largest city: | Rangoon (Yangon) |
| Area: | 676,552 sq km (261,218 sq miles) |
| Major languages: | Burmese, indigenous ethnic languages |
| Major religions: | Buddhism, Christianity, Islam |
| Life expectancy: | 59 years (men), 65 years (women) (UN) |
| Monetary unit: | 1 kyat = 100 pyas |
| Main exports: | Teak, pulses and beans, prawns, fish, rice, opiates, oil and gas |
| GNI per capita: | not available |
| Internet domain: | .mm |
| International dialling code: | +95 |
Blogs
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Iran's internet dilemma19 Jun 09 | Rory Cellan-Jones - dot.life
We talked about two very different countries that have also attempted to control the web, Burma and China. ...
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The role of citizen journalism in modern democracy13 Nov 08 | Helen Boaden - The Editors
The BBC, like other news organisations, was banned from entering Burma - we couldn't find out what was happening. ...
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David Miliband in Bruges16 Nov 07 | Robin Lustig - World Tonight
He spoke not only of past action in Kosovo and Macedonia, but also of current or potential future action in Congo, Darfur, Zimbabwe and Burma. ...
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News from Burma ...12 Oct 07 | Robin Lustig - World Tonight
is thin these days, but there's a remarkable account by Robert Semeniuk on opendemocracy.net. about a health project on the border with Thailand. ...
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Miliband on Burma, Britain and the world14 May 08 | Robin Lustig - World Tonight
The UK is ready to support "any and all" United Nations action to help the people of Burma. The UK is ready to support "any and all" United Nations action to help the people of Burma. ...
Around the web
News From Other Sources
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Country has 'a long way to go': ambassador15 Jul 09 | National Post
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Asean test: New boat people from Burma15 Jul 09 | Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Skepticism in Myanmar over junta amnesty plan14 Jul 09 | CNN
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'U.S. eyeing N.K.-Myanmar nuke ties'14 Jul 09 | Korea Herald
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Pro-democracy politician sentenced in Myanmar14 Jul 09 | Jakarta Post
BBC iPlayer
Radio
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Today - 11/07/200911 Jul 09With John Humphrys and Edward Stourton. Including Sports Desk; Weather; Thought for the Day; Yesterday in Parliament.
Listento "Today - 11/07/2009" now
News
News Clips
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Burma footage appears on screen11 Jul 09Mike Thomson talks to one organiser of covert filming in Burma now appearing in British cinemas.
Listento "Burma footage appears on screen" now -
Citizen journalism in Burma's uprising06 Jul 09The Newsnight Review panel discuss a new film called Burma VJ which shows footage of the 2007 uprising which was smuggled out of the country.
Watch "Citizen journalism in Burma's uprising" now -
Burma junta leader snubs UN chief04 Jul 09Burma's junta has refused to allow visiting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to meet jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Watch "Burma junta leader snubs UN chief" now -
UN chief on Burma snub04 Jul 09Burma's junta has refused to allow visiting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to meet jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Watch "UN chief on Burma snub" now -
UN chief in Burma freedom talks03 Jul 09The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has urged Burma's military authorities to free the jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Watch "UN chief in Burma freedom talks" now
News Articles
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China launches yuan trade scheme06 Jul 09 | BusinessChina begins a trial scheme that allows trade with its neighbours to be settled with its own currency, the yuan..
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Scant results for Ban in Burma04 Jul 09 | Asia-PacificEven before Mr Ban had left Burma, his visit was being criticised. Western diplomats say Mr Ban has kept the spotlight on the situation in Burma and this is a process which has some way to go.
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UN chief calls for Burma releases03 Jul 09 | Asia-PacificBurma's political prisoners are thought to number about 2,100. Risky trip Mr Ban said he had also asked Gen Than Shwe whether he could see Ms Suu Kyi in person before he left Burma.
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UN chief gambles on Burma breakthrough03 Jul 09 | Asia-PacificUN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon takes a calculated risk visiting Burma's military rulers, says the BBC's South-East Asia correspondent Jonathan Head.
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Profile: Aung San Suu Kyi03 Jul 09 | Asia-Pacific
In 1960 she went to India with her mother Daw Khin Kyi, who had been appointed Burma's ambassador to Delhi. But Burma was never far away from her thoughts.
Weather
Weather for Rangoon
| Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conditions |  heavy showers | heavy showers | heavy showers |
| Max Temperature | Max:28°C/82°F | Max:29°C/84°F | Max:29°C/84°F |
| Min Temperature | Min:26°C/79°F | Min:25°C/77°F | Min:26°C/79°F |
Knowledge
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Religion & Ethics - Theravada Buddhism: Theravada BuddhismReligion & Ethics
Theravada Buddhism is strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar). Theravada life Theravada Buddhism emphasises attaining self-liberation through one's own efforts.
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Religion & Ethics - Theravada Buddhism: Theravada lifeReligion & Ethics
Theravada Buddhism is strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar). A strong relationship The relationship between monks and lay people in Theravada Buddhism is very strong.
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History - Lord Louis Mountbatten (1900 - 1979)History
Working with General William Slim, Mountbatten achieved the defeat of the Japanese offensive towards India and the reconquest of Burma.
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History - The Burma Campaign 1941 - 1945History
Firstly the Japanese knew it would serve them well if they cut overland access to China from Burma via the famed Burma Road.
Sport
Sport Articles
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Results - Monday 11 August24 Aug 08
Results for Monday 11 August. Results - Monday 11 August All times BST. Beijing is seven hours ahead of the UK. Archery Men's team ...
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Champions League final as it happened21 May 08Manchester United beat Chelsea 6-5 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to win the Champions League.. Champions League final as it happened Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea MAN UTD WIN 6-5 ON PENALTIES GOALFLASHES AND ...
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Christie urges athletes to focus16 Feb 08In my mind, China has an indifferent political record internationally, be it in Darfur, Burma, or many other nations in Africa they do business with," he told BBC Sport.
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'Why I'm taking a stand on China'14 Feb 08
In my mind, China has an indifferent political record internationally, be it in Darfur, Burma, or many other nations in Africa they do business with.
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Beijing venues - China's question marks10 Dec 07
The country has also been criticised for its continued support of the military junta in Burma, where pro-democracy demonstrations were crushed in 2007.
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