설명
Myanmar is home to approximately 48 million people. Only 33 percent of the population lives in urban agglomerations, of which Yangon with around 6 million and Mandalay with over 1 million are the largest. In contrast to many other countries in the region, there is no large influx to the cities. More than three-quarters of the population depends on agriculture.
The population of Myanmar is officially divided into eight groups, namely: Bamar (68%), Shan (9%), Kayin or Karen (7%), Rakhaing or Arakanese (4%), Chinese (3%), Mon (2 %), Kachin and Kayin. Within these eight groups, the government distinguishes a total of 67 ethnic groups. The division of the country into states and divisions more or less corresponds to the main population group living there. Most Burmese (Bamar) live in the divisions of Yangon, Bago, Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy), Mandalay, Sagaing (where also live the Naga who are closely related to their Indian counterparts) and Tanintharyi, which forms the elongated southern border with Thailand. The names of the states correspond to the main population. In Shan State, the Shan are the largest population group. The same applies to the other states: Mon, Chin, Kayah, Kayin, Rakhaing and Kachin.
The diversity of the inhabitants is particularly reflected in the traditional festivals. During the week of January 10, hundreds of thousands of Kachin State residents celebrate Manau in Myitkyina. The festival is even attended by relatives from Thailand, India and China. In daily life, most ethnic groups have adapted to the Burmese lifestyle.
To avoid any confusion, it is useful to know that Burmese and Burmese mean all residents of Myanmar, or Burma. Burmese and Burmese refer exclusively to the main population group.