Myanmar

Formerly called Burma, the Union of Myanmar was ruled by kings prior to more than two centuries of British control. Gaining independence in 1948, it has been ruled by an oppressive military regime under martial law since 1962.

Myanmar is surrounded by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, and the Bay of Bengal forms its western boundary. With a total area of 266,228 square miles, Myanmar is nearly twice as long as it is wide.

The population of over 51 million is diverse, made up of eight major ethnic groups. The seven tribal groups (Kachin, Kayan, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan) are generally concentrated in seven states, while the native Burmese live primarily in seven divisions.

Known as the "Rice Bowl of the Far East," Myanmar also grows sugar cane and peanuts and is famous for rubies, sapphires and jade. Unfortunately, the nation also has the distinction of being one of the world's largest sources of opium and heroin. It has appeared on the United Nations list of Least Developed Countries since 1987.

Buddhism is the most influential religion in Myanmar. There are reputed to be more than one million pagodas, or Buddhist temples, in the country. Ninety percent of the population adhere to this religion, followed by Christianity (6.5%), Islam (3.8%), animism (1.1%) and Hinduism (0.5%).

Christian missionaries first came to Myanmar in the 1500s and again in the 18th century, but they saw no results for their labors. After American missionary Adoniram Judson arrived in 1813, six years passed before even one Burmese turned to Christ. Other missionaries began serving in Myanmar and the Gospel gradually spread—especially among some tribal groups—before most workers were expelled in 1966.

Today native missionaries continue the work begun by their Western counterparts, and Christianity continues to grow. One major hindrance to missions is malaria, a disease as dreaded and potentially deadly as AIDS.