Burma, also known as Myanmar, is a country in Southeast Asia located between Thailand, Laos, China, India, Bangladesh and the Andaman Sea. The country has an area of 676,578 km² and a population of approximately 54 million people. It is bordered by the Himalayan mountain ranges to the west and more modest mountains to the east. The main religions practiced in the country are Theravada Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and Hinduism.
The Geography of Burma
Burma is a country with diverse geography, ranging from fertile plains to rugged mountains. The coastal regions of Burma are tropical and have a hot and humid climate all year round. The Irrawaddy Delta, located in the central region of the country, is one of the most fertile regions in the world and is the agricultural center of the country. The Shan Mountains and the Chin Mountains cover much of eastern and northern Burma, while the Sittaung Plain and the Bago Hills occupy much of the south-central part of the country.
The country is also crossed by several major rivers, including the Irrawaddy River, the Salween River and the Chindwin River. These rivers are used for fishing, irrigation and transportation.
Population of Burma
Burma has a population of approximately 54 million people. The Burmese or Bama constitute the majority ethnic group in the country, representing approximately 68% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups include the Shan, Karen, Chin, Kachin and Rohingya.
The official language of Burma is Burmese, but there are also several regional languages in use in the country, including Shan, Karen and Chin. The literacy rate of the population is relatively low, with only about 75% of adults knowing how to read and write.
Religion in Burma
Theravada Buddhism is the majority religion in Burma, practiced by approximately 87% of the population. Islam is the second most common religion, followed by approximately 4% of the population. Christianity and Hinduism are also present, although to a much lesser degree.
Buddhist temples and pagodas are omnipresent in Burma, reflecting the importance of this religion in the country's daily life. The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Burma and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
