What is Burma / Myanmar?

Hi. My name is Khin who was born in Burma. Burma is very beautiful country with full of natural resources. Myanmar (former Burma) is located in South East Asia. It is bordered by China, Thailand, Lao, India and Bangladesh.
Our population is about 52.4 millions. 89.2 percent of population believes in Buddhism and there are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Chinese and some animists. There are many races in Burma. The major races are 8 races. I will explain details in next topic. 80% of Myanmar speaks the official Myanmar language.
Burma has tropical climate with three seasons: the hot season; summer from March to April, the rainy season, from May to October; the cool season; winter from November to February. The weather in Burma is not cold or hot as here. When I live in Burma, I did not have chance to see snow.

Currently Burma is ruled by Military dictator. But it is not always this way. If we see the history of Myanmar (Burma), the first Empire of Burma was founded in 1044 A.D by King Anawrahta. The second Burma Empire is founded in mid 16 century by King Bayinnaung. The Last Burma Dynasty was founded in 1752 by King Alaungpaya. After three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in 1825, 1852 and 1885, Burma became British colony. At the Second World War, Burma was controlled by Japan from 1942 to 1945. Burma was granted independence in January 4th in 1948 because an effort of leader Aung San, the father of country.He was assassinated before independence. From 1950 to 1962 Myanmar was led by Prime Minster U Nu. At that time, the government had to deal with rebelling by ethics groups. In 1962, General Ne Win took over the control. Myanmar became under the military control. In 1974, General Ne Win announced himself as President of Myanmar (Burma). From 1947 to 1988, Burma was ruled by socialist system.

In 1988, people are not happy with socialism and asked to end the socialism to change the democratic system. In August 1988, a big huge uprising happened in Burma's history around the country. Military took over the power of nation again at that time and they change Burma into Myanmar. But we, Burmese people like to use Burma. Until now, Burma is ruled by military government.