Cause of Poverty in Burma

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Cause of poverty-Burma (Myanmar) Burma, officially the Union of Myanmar, is located in the southeast of Asia and has a population of 53.99 million (according to 2011, CIA World Fact book) which is growing at 0.81 per cent annually. It has an area of 678,500 sq. Km, which is slightly smaller than Texas in USA (the second largest US state). The official language is Burmese, although some minor ethnic groups have their own language. The main religion is Buddhist, which accounts for 89 per cent of the population. The administrative capital city of Myanmar is Naypyidaw (originally called Pyinmana) and is one of the ten fastest growing cities in the world. Politics as the cause of poverty Military government contributing to poverty When Myanmar gained independence from the British colonisation in 4 January 1948, the country has inherited the democratic governmental system where elections were held to decide who will be the next leader of the country. However, it has become obvious that overtime; a fair public trial for election no longer existed. When military regime (State Peace and Development Council) took control after Ne Win’s coup (sudden, illegal deposition of the government) in 1692, all the potential oppositions were routed out by the military rulers to maintain their position and power. The so called ‘free election’ was completely controlled by the military juntas and people were treated with violence and intimidation against opposition party. For example, in Burma’s 38th rule by juntas, in order to prevent dissenters form organising, poor people were forced out of their own country to seek shelter in rural slums. Many people flee to other countries as political refugees, but were met with yet another cold and unmerciful government in Thailand, China or Laos. Those who did not make a successful attempt to escape were held in prisons. Aung San Suu Kyi
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