Myanmar’s majority religion is Buddhism. Christianity and Islam are observed by about 5 percent each of the population. Other notable, but small percentages of the population follow Hinduism, Taoism, and animistic religious beliefs.
Myanmar is an officially secular state, but there is no organized secular movement in the country.
Religious minorities often face persecution from the government. The Rohingya are a Muslim minority in Myanmar. The country denies Rohingya citizenship and land access. The military government continues to inflict deadly attacks and intimidation on the Rohingya. Learn more about the Rohingya crisis. Read a report from the United Nations Human Rights Council on the atrocities inflicted on the Rohingya people.
Burmese food is varied depending on geography, but in general includes dishes containing rice, vegetables, and noodles, as well as soups, salads, curries, and more.
Because of it's coastal geography, cuisine from Myanmar often includes fish and fish products. Thai, Chinese, and Indian influences are common, as are flavors from ethnic minorities within the country.
Breakfast and lunch tend to be the heavier meals in Myanmar, because food is freshest earlier in the day. Most locals eat dishes with fresh, local ingredients. Rice is a major staple of Myanmar cuisine. Rice is often served with local vegetables and seafood. Rice noodles, vermicelli, and glass noodles are also a common in soup, salad, and main dishes in Myanmar.
If you live near Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, be sure to enjoy the local Burmese restaurants and grocery stores.
Myanmar is an diverse country. There are eight main ethnic groups, with 130 distinctive subgroups. The largest ethnic group, the Burmese, make up 68% of the population. Other ethnic groups include the Chin, Kachin, Karen, Mon, Rakhine, Shan, and Wa.
This festival celebrates the start of the Burmese New Year, usually happens in mid April. Many people in Myanmar believe water washes away the sins and evils from the preceding year. During the festival people throw or splash each other with water. Buckets, squirt guns, water hoses are all used to help each other wash away the previous year.
This festival happens in the city of Kyaukse. Elephants have an important role in Myanmar history. Elephants in Mynamar live in government owned preserves. During the festival, elephant dance competitions happen throughout the city. Real elephants are not used. Hand crafted, life size puppets mimic real elephant movements or unique dances. Prizes and money go to the best performance and puppet.
