The Republic of the Union of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is the second largest country in Southeast Asia and boasts a population of more than 50 million. Myanmar emerged from British colonial rule in 1948, and has remained under military control since General Ne Win overthrew the civilian government in a 1968 coup. The country’s modern history has been marred by persistent human rights violations, ethnic strife, cronyism and failed Soviet-style economic management that has resulted in widespread poverty.
Myanmar’s military has made gradual moves in recent years toward relinquishing control of the government, releasing thousands of political prisoners, including dissident leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. This reduced authoritarianism has prompted an easing of international sanctions and widespread hope of improvement in the country, though concerns remain about the treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority.
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