Myanmar's Path to Democracy

Myanmar's journey towards democracy has been a tumultuous one. The country gained independence in 1948 and was a democratic nation until a military coup in 1962 led to a military dictatorship. After nearly five decades, the 2010 general elections marked the return of a civilian government, and the military junta was officially dissolved in 2011. Despite these positive changes, Myanmar's government still faces criticism from Western Nations concerning its treatment of ethnic minorities.

Religious Beliefs in Myanmar

Although Myanmar does not have an official state religion, Buddhism is followed by a vast majority of the population, approximately 88%. Other religions practiced include Christianity and Islam, while Hinduism is followed by a mere 0.5% of the population. An interesting aspect of Myanmar's spiritual practices includes Nat Worship, which involves spirit shrines seen either independently or as part of Buddhist temples.

What Sets Myanmar Apart?

Myanmar is renowned for its rich resources, including jade, gems, oil, natural gas, and other minerals. The country also boasts the highest solar power potential among the nations in the Great Mekong sub-region. One of the most iconic landmarks in Myanmar is the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the country.

The information mentioned here would be beneficial for candidates preparing for UPSC 2020 .

Additional Resources