Burma (Myanmar) in Perspective - Orientation Guide and Burmese Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Society, Security, Military, Religion, Rangoon, Mandalay, Theravada Buddhism

These two unique guides produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Burma (Myanmar), with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

Aung san Suu Kyi, GEOGRAPHY * Introduction * Geographic Divisions * Western Mountains * Northern Mountains * Shan Plateau * Central Basin and Lowlands * Coastal Strip * Climate * Bodies of Water * Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River * Sittang River * Salween (Thanlwin) River * Chindwin River * Major Cities * Rangoon (Yangon) * Naypyidaw * Mandalay * Mawlamyine * Environmental Issues * HISTORY * Introduction * Ancient History * Burman Dynasties * Pagan Dynasty: The First Burmese Empire (1044-1287) * Toungoo Dynasty: The Second Burmese Empire (1486 -1752) * Konbaung Dynasty: The Third Burmese Empire (1752-1886 C.E.) * British Colonial Rule (1885-1948) * Burma (1947-1989) * Burma to Myanmar (1990-2010) * Burma Today * ECONOMY * Introduction * Agriculture * Industry * Trade * Banking and Finance * Foreign Investment * Standard of Living * Employment Trends * Outlook * SOCIETY * Introduction * Ethnic Groups and Languages * The Burman (Bamars) * The Shan * The Karen * The Mon * The Chin * The Kachin * Religion * Theravada Buddhism * Christianity * Islam * Indigenous Religion and The Worship of Nats * Cuisine * Clothing and Traditional Dress * Men * Women * Gender Issues * The Arts * Art and Architecture * Dramatic Performances * Music * Dance * Sports * SECURITY * Introduction * U.S. - Burma Relations * Relations with Neighboring Countries * Bangladesh * China * India * Laos * Thailand * Burmese Military and Police * Military * Police * Issues Affecting Internal Security * Armed Ethnic Groups * Escalating Sectarian Violence * Crime and Corruption * The Poverty-Insecurity-Drug Nexus * * **** * * PROFILE * Introduction * Geographic Divisions * Western Mountains * Northern Mountains * Shan Plateau * Central Basin and Lowlands * Coastal Strip * Climate * Major Rivers * The Chindwin River * The Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River * The Sittang River * The Salween * Major Cities * Naypyidaw * History * Pre-Colonial History * British Colonial Rule (1885-1948) * The Union of Burma (1948-2004) * Government * Media * Economy * Ethnic Groups * Burman (Bamars) * Shan * Karen * The Mon * The Chin * The Kachin * The Rakhine * RELIGION * Introduction * Religions * Theravada Buddhism * Indigenous Religion * Religion and Government * Influence of Religion on Daily Life * Religion and Gender * Religious Holidays and Festivals * Buddhist Holidays and Festivals * Waso * Nat Festivals * Places of Worship * Shwedagon Pagoda * Mandalay * Behavior in Buildings of Worship * TRADITIONS * Introduction * Honor and Values * Greetings * Status of Women * Hospitality and Gift-Giving * Hospitality * Gift-Giving * Food and Eating Habits * Dress Code * Non-Religious Holidays * Calendars and the Burman Holidays * National Holidays * Do's and Don'ts * URBAN LIFE * Introduction * Urbanization * Work Issues * Healthcare * Education and Schools in Cities * Restaurants * Markets * Money and ATMs * Transportation & Traffic * Cars * Public Transportation * Street Crimes and Solicitations * RURAL LIFE * Introduction * Land Distribution * Economy * Rural Transportation * Rural Healthcare * Education in Rural Areas * Who's in Charge? * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Landmines * FAMILY LIFE * Introduction * Typical Household and Family Structure * Status of Elders and Children * Status of the Elderly * Status of Children * Married Life, Divorce, and Birth * Marriage * Divorce * Birth * Family Social Events * Weddings * Funerals * Shinbyu * Naming Conventions