Country

Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia. Bordered by China on the north, Laos on the east, Thailand on the southeast, Bangladesh on the west, and India on the northwest.

It is a country  of huge ethnic diversity.There are twenty one major ethnic groups and possibly over one hundred minor groups. The largest group is  the Burmans [68%]. Other major groups are the Karen, the Kachin, the Shan, the Mon, the Arakanese and the Chin. The country's culture, heavily influenced by neighbours, is based on Theravada Buddhism intertwined with local elements.

Its diverse population has played a major role in defining its politics, history and demographics in modern times. It has been under the tight control of the State Peace and Development Council, the military led government, since 1992, since General Ne Win led a coup in 1962 that toppled the civilian government of U Nu. Part of the British Empire until 1948, Burma continues to struggle to mend its ethnic tensions.