Myanmar
Myanmar [Burma] has isolated itself from the rest of the world for many years. Yet the Burmese church has continued to grow and flourish.
Population: 47.4 million; Density: 72 per sq km
Around two-thirds of the people are Bamar [also called Burmese or Burman]. In addition there are many indigenous minorities with their own languages and cultures, including the Shan, Karen, Arakanese, Chin, Kachin and Mon. Influential Chinese and Indian communities live in the major cities.
The majority of the population lives in rural areas, but there is slow urbanization. Yangon’s population is now around 6 million and Mandalay’s around 1 million.
Religions: Buddhist 82.9%; Christian 8.7%; Muslim 3.8%; Chinese religions 3%; Animist 0.8%; Hindu 0.5%; Non-religious/other 0.3%
Buddhism is no longer the state religion, but it still has great influence in government affairs and the life of the country. Although there is freedom of religion, converts to Christianity often face difficulties in their own communities and restrictions imposed by the authorities.
Myanmar country profile.pdf
