By Patrick M. Lind
Burma is an independent nation officially ruled by a military dictatorship. It was once a prosperous nation, but revolutions and governmental changes have forced the country into poverty. Burma's politics have even led to confusion over its name. Though Burma's climate, miles of coastline and diverse geology make it ripe for tourism, it is a slowly growing industry due to internal conflict.
Myanmar
In 1989, the ruling military junta changed the name of Burma to the Union of Myanmar.
Protest
In protest of the name change by a non-democratically elected government, many countries including the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia still call the country Burma though the United Nations recognized the name change just five days after.
Geography
Burma is located in Southeast Asia. It borders China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh and India.
Population
The population of Burma is just over 55 million people.
Metric System
Burma is one of three countries not to officially adopt the metric system. The United States and Liberia are the other two.
About the Author:
Patrick M. Lind has been freelance writing since 2007 and has worked as an editor and journalist for ChicagoSporting.com. He received a Master of Arts in history from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East.
