Than Shwe
Prime Minister

(pronounced "THAN sh-WEE")

"National unity has been fostered."

The Union of Myanmar (Burma) is the largest country on the Southeast Asian mainland, covering 678,500 sq km (261,970 sq mi). It shares borders with Bangladesh and India to the west, China to the north, and Laos and Thailand to the east. Its southern boundary is a coastline extending along the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The capital is Yangon. The population, estimated at 42,510,537 in 2003, is ethnically diverse: 68% are ethnic Burmans, but other important groups include Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi; Chinese (3%); Karens (7%); Shans (9%); Rakhine (4%); and Chins, Kachins, and Mons (together 2%). Although the different groups speak a variety of languages and dialects, the official language is Burmese. English has been the most common second language. An estimated 89% of the population adheres to some form of Buddhism. There are also Christians, Muslims...