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Burma became independent from Great Britain in 1948 and tried to install democracy, but powerful military figures took over using violent force.  Aung San, a respected national hero, was killed.  His daughter, Suu Kyi, is one of the founders of the National League for Democracy (NDL) which earned the majority vote in 1990 national elections.  However, the military regime refused to honor the results of the elections and placed Suu Kyi under house arrest until 1995.  She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, and her international recognition has protected her from harm.  It has not prevented the military government from arresting and torturing NDL party members and supporters.  Some two million others have been living under conditions of brutal forced labor.

Burma is home to eight major national ethnic races, with ore than 100 minorities.  About 80 percent of the population practices Buddhism, with a smaller percentage practicing Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and Animism.  Burmese is the official language, but ethnic groups have their own dialects.

Burma's economy is based on agriculture and some industry.  The country is covered by dense forests which produce valuable hardwoods, and also abundant in other natural resources.
 
Burmese meals usually consist of rice, with vegetables that are seasoned with Ngapi, a dried shrimp paste, garlic and ginger.  Chinese tea or sugar-cane juice are popular drinks.

Holidays and festivals generally take place over several days.  January 4 is Independence Day and is marked by a seven-day fair.  During Thingyan, a water festival celebrated in April, Burmese welcome the new year by dousing each other with cold water.  In October they celebrate the end of Lent with the Festival of Light, marking Buddha's return from heaven.  During this time, families make offerings at shrines and light their communities with candles and torches.
 

Street drama is a popular activity during holidays and festivals.  Performances are related to Buddhist stories, but slapstick comedy and dance are also popular.

Burmese art demonstrates a strong connection with religion and royalty in history.  The country is known for its historic pagodas and palaces that remain standing today.

Burmese homes are typically constructed of wood.  The simple structure often has a kitchen and bathroom built separately from the rest of the house.  All homes contain a shrine in the central room.  A guest arriving at the home will sit on chairs while the host sits on the floor as a sign of respect an welcome to the stranger.

Families are generally nuclear, with four or five people.  For the most part, women enjoy equality in the home and workplace.

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