WebOfficially, 4% of the inhabitants of Myanmar are Muslim. Skip to main content. Throughout the 20th century, British colonial policy regularly pitted these groups against each other, creating a violent legacy that continues to this day. s\A0W+ 0000020137 00000 n For example, one law promoted by monks in 2013 declared that Buddhist women could not marry a man of another faith without official permission from local authorities. [10] 969 website, https://969movement.org. While Rohingya leaders claim to be the descendants of the precolonial Muslim community of Rakhine State, the term Rohingya only appeared in 1799 in an article on the comparative vocabulary in the Burma Empire to describe the indigenous people of Rakhine State.[1]. There have been numerous sermons from such leaders promoting coexistence, decrying the restrictions on interfaith marriages, and building interfaith understanding. bG^P.mW/r"> U4cT7hksC/)T~X]][/88h a NB4' $.FkRd> In this predominantly Buddhist country, Muslims are often discriminated against by the powerful nationalist movement that strives to protect Buddhist identity, thus creating a struggle for minority groups. hVmo6+p&(8qzX ? GQ}^. 102 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<4FE0EAC9B217F046911730C569C99152>]/Index[91 27]/Info 90 0 R/Length 69/Prev 102133/Root 92 0 R/Size 118/Type/XRef/W[1 2 1]>>stream Inflation Rate in Myanmar averaged 12.95 percent from 1998 until 2022, reaching an all time high of 54.02 percent in December of 2002 and a record low of -1.09 percent in December of 2011. 0000038918 00000 n Prayer cards are formatted eight to a page. Members of the majority Buddhist Burmese population have forcibly displaced many of the Rohingya, a Muslim minority group mainly centered in the southwest of the country. [12] David Steinberg, Laws Enforce Discrimination in Myanmar, Asia Times Online (March 18, 2014), http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-180314.html. Myanmar has a population of approximately 55.4 million in 2023. This led to the expulsion of close to 300,000 Burmese Indians. Furthermore, the governments tacit approval of policies that discriminate against the Rohingya, coupled with the role of social media in propagating hate speech, have fostered an enabling environment that has prolonged the sectarian violence. [11] Jamie Pinnock, Burma: Buddhism and the Rise of Burmese Militant Nationalism, The Foreign Report (July 1, 2013), http://www.theforeignreport.com/2013/07/01/burma-buddhism-and-the-rise-. While the majority of Myanmars Muslim population reside in Rakhine State, in the rest of the country many Muslims are present and are accepted into their communities. Use mouse wheel or +/- buttons to zoom the map. They are second-class citizens and even stateless people (the Rohingya were deprived of Burmese citizenship in 1982). Burma Religions - Demographics Burma Religions Factbook > Countries > Burma > Demographics Religions: Buddhist 87.9%, Christian 6.2%, Muslim 4.3%, Animist 0.8%, Hindu 0.5%, other 0.2%, none 0.1% (2014 est.) With the military coup of 1962, about 1 million Indians were forced out of Burma, but some remained, mostly in Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay, and in the Bago District. But this gap has narrowed. They can also inspire nearly unfathomable acts of love and peacebuilding. The vast To date, Buddhist mobs have killed more than 200 Muslims, the majority of whom are Rohingya, and caused the displacement of more than 140,000.[9]. note: religion estimate is based on the 2014 The organized movement has enlisted monasteries across Myanmar to spread radical anti-Muslim messages through Sunday schools, and by handing out stickers and distributing pamphlets and DVDs.[11] As David Steinberg of Georgetown University highlights, the significance of Buddhist monks leading this campaign cannot be underestimated, as few, if any, in the Burman community can publicly dispute a monks announcement on an ostensibly religious issue.[12] Indeed, monks wield the highest level of moral authority in Myanmar and can thus pursue an ethno-nationalist agenda without hindrance. It does not engage in advocacy and its scholars opinions are their own. Nearly 90% of the country is Buddhist, and most are members of the majority ethnic community known as Burmans. [15], As a consequence of this fear, discriminatory policies toward the Rohingya have been imposed. It is a doctrine, a philosophy based on the teaching of the Buddha contained in the Four Noble Truths: 1) The truth of suffering; 2) the cause of suffering; 3) the cessation of suffering and; 4) the path that leads to the cessation of suffering. Again in 1971, a group of Rohingya pushed to join Bangladesh during its fight for independence from East Pakistan. [2] After the first of three Anglo-Burmese wars ended in 1826, Rakhine State was brought under British colonial administration, which had an open immigration policy that allowed an influx of Bengali Muslims into the newly colonized territory. Before making travel plans based on data presented here, please confirm with other sources to the extent possible. Rohingya couples in the Rakhine State townships of Maungdaw ad Buthidaung can legally have only two children, in what the state government says is an effort to reduce overpopulation and inter-communal tensions.[16] While this policy is not officially sanctioned by the government, it has received tacit approval. Rising Buddhist-Burman ethno-nationalism, fanned by the 969 movement led by Buddhist monks, has resulted in the rapid dissemination of hate speech and reignited lingering resentment between communities. Buddhist 87.9%, Christian 6.2%, Muslim 4.3%, Animist 0.8%, Hindu 0.5%, other 0.2%, none 0.1% (2014 est.) While the tangled roots of the Rohingya have played a critical role in the recent inter-religious violence between Rohingya and Buddhists, so too has the rise of Burman-Buddhist ethno-nationalism. Web The vast majority of the citizens of Myanmar a nation in southeast Asia are Theravada Buddhists. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100. Burmese Hindus are a mix of Bengalis, Tamils, Telegus, and Uttar Pradeshis who arrived in Burma under British colonialism. 5 (1799), 237, http://www.networkmyanmar.com/images/stories/PDF12/rohingya-origins-1-r. In this predominantly Buddhist country, Muslims are often discriminated against by the powerful nationalist movement that strives to protect Buddhist identity, thus creating a struggle for minority groups. In 1989, an unelected military regime changed the name of Burma to Myanmar. And what could be done to avert sectarian violence, to foster tolerance and peaceful coexistence, and to promote reconciliation? A city like Yangon can be proud of sheltering within it many religions and their monuments (mosques, cathedrals, pagodas, Sikh temples, Hindu temples and even a Synagogue!). 0000045383 00000 n [3] Jacques P. Leider, Rohingya, Rakhaing and the Recent Outbreak of ViolenceA Note, Bulletin of the Burma Studies Group, 16 (2012), 8, http://www.networkmyanmar.org/images/stories/PDF15/Leider-Note.pdf. [18] Policies of Persecution Ending Abusive State Policies Against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, Fortify Rights (25 February 2014), http://www.fortifyrights.org/downloads/Policies_of_Persecution_Feb_25_F. Web As International Crisis Group ICG pointed out in a comprehensive report published on 10 March 2023 Myanmars Buddhist clergy has largely remained silent in. Burmese Hindus are a mix of Bengalis, Tamils, Telegus, and Uttar Pradeshis who arrived in Burma under British colonialism. Since the opening of Myanmar in 2011, President Thein Sein has pursued broad economic and political reforms of policies created by former military leaders. Approximately 2% of Burmese people are Hindu. 0000002503 00000 n This Christian presence dates back to the time whenEuropean and American missionariescame to settle and evangelize Myanmar. 0000026659 00000 n Web Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan 2023 Response Plan Overview The Myanmar Humanitarian Response Plan requests US764 million to reach 45 million. Web52 (34.9%) Progress Level Total Population 54,101,000 Population in Unreached 45,121,000 (83.4%) Largest Religion Buddhism ( 78.0% ) % Christian Adherent 8.16% % Evangelical 4.86% Evangelical Annual Growth Rate 2.5% (Global Rate = 2.6%) + Leaflet | Powered by Esri | USGS, NOAA People Groups States Progress Religions Languages Photos Values for %Christian Adherent and %Evangelical (which determine unreached status) are often informed estimates, some more accurate than others. hbbd``b`:$C3`\@ !$+ n r6#+#E Due to decades of heavy censorship, Myanmar continues to have a hyperactive rumor mill in which information from fellow community membersbe it online of face-to-faceis given preferential treatment to news originating from official media outlets. One Buddhist nationalist monk, U Wirathu, was even described on the cover of Time Magazine as The Face of Buddhist Terror in 2013. 545 million or 545 crores read about list of countries in Asia by population Myanmar Demographics Religion in Myanmar. 1 (January/ February 2014), 28. In rare instances a representative photo may be used. [16] Reform Fails to Help Myanmars Rohingya, IISS Strategic Comments, Vol. The short form, which was asked of 80 percent of the total population, includes only seven basic questions: name, relationship to the head of the household, sex, age, marital status, race and religion. 54, No. endstream endobj 37 0 obj <> endobj 38 0 obj <> endobj 39 0 obj <>stream [14] Unforgiving History, The Economist (November 3, 2012), http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21565638-why-buddhists-and-muslims-r. However, religions are powerful forces. Monks have also mobilized to support the passage of anti-Muslim laws in the nations legislature. Web Chart and table of Myanmar population from 1950 to 2023. Over the last decade, hundreds of Muslims have been murdered, mosques have been destroyed, and hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes. The country experienced a spike in population in the 1960s, and since then the nation continues to grow, but at a slower pace. For a description of the Commissions composition, mandate, and methodology, see Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Final Report of Inquiry Commission on Sectarian Violence in Rakhine State (July 8, 2013), i-ii, http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs15/Rakhine_Commission_Report-en-red.pdf . We welcome. Approximately 2% of Burmese people are Hindu. In great need of spiritual renewal and commitment to biblical faith. WebMyanmar, also known as Burma, is a country rich in history, culture, and traditions. Stores are marked with the 969 symbol to verify the owner is Buddhist. Why Bengal S Murshidabad And Malda Are India S Most Dangerous Districts Today India News Firstpost, Luzon S First Dot Tourist Rest Area To Rise In Baguio City Be Part Of The Fun Welcome To The Dot Corporate Site, Designed with by Way2themes | Distributed by Blogger Themes. Thus, the most populous regions are the Irrawaddy delta and the dry zone, and the highest densities are found in the upper delta, between Yangon and Hinthada (Henzada). In the 19th century, many tribes who had been treated as inferior due to their animistic beliefs, such as the Chins, converted to Christianity. Hinduism is practised by about 890,000 people in Myanmar, [2] [3] and has been influenced by elements of Buddhism, with many Hindu temples in Myanmar housing statues of the Buddha. 0000029681 00000 n [13] Even though Buddhists form the majority of the population, and there is no solid evidence Myanmar is facing an Islamist military threat, the narrative has gained traction amongst many Buddhists fearing that Islam will disrupt Myanmars Buddhist identity and potentially wipe out Buddhism in Myanmar altogether. The fertility rate in Myanmar is 2.13 births per woman, which is high enough for population replacement (2.1 births per woman); however, it has been declining over the past several years, contributing to the slowing population growth rate. Inflation Rate in Myanmar is expected to be 1200 percent by the end of this. How has the cultural context of Burmese Buddhism impacted the ways in which Buddhism is practiced in the region? [6] Yegar, Between Integration and Secession The Muslim Communities of the Southern Philippines, Southern Thailand, and Western Burma/ Myanmar (Maryland: Lexington Books, 2002), 37. [7] Burma Citizenship Law, 15 October 1982, The United Nations Refugee Agency, http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?docid=3ae6b4f71b. While peace building is possible, many challenges remain. %PDF-1.5 % Ongoing repression of Rohingya is driven by Burman Buddhist fear of Islamic encroachment into Myanmar, as well as an ongoing belief that the Rohingya could potentially threaten Burmese sovereignty by further segregating Rakhine State. The analysis draws on the Centers wider body of research on global restrictions related to religion. startxref Web The difference is that Myanmar or Burma as it was known Pin Pa Patrimonios - Evangelicals have a significant presence. [8] Michael Tanchum, The Buddhist-Muslim Violence in Myanmar: A Threat to Southeast Asia, The Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies, BESA Center Perspectives Paper, No. As much as 90 of the Burmese population practice Buddhism making it the main religion in MyanmarBuddhism in Burma is attached to the Theravada branch. All rights reserved. Some may not be viable and/or have incorrect Progress Scale values, population, language and religion information. Web Nearly 88 of Myanmars population identify themselves as Buddhist with other religious denominations such as Christians Muslims and Hindus making up the. w+|R6r5pRCyzh+xm6f{.xmpf2YZ|_pT~9dbb?f4 0vev4l,{w}?_3~`9'L;v:5mpZGjneS?J5TjyNCJ;]%S9tA]@%Pv/_zjJ The quality of life can be examined in numerous manners, including exploring healthcare, access to improved sanitation and drinking water, as well as the World Happiness Report. 0000005648 00000 n s\A0W+z=;;4{LqMQ(|> 0000006213 00000 n Each point represents a people group in a country. [3] The British also welcomed wealthy money lenders (chettyars) from South India to help administer colonial Burma. When referring to the World Happiness Report, we see a ranking of 130, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 10. Very small groups reported, but outside the Joshua Project Small Group Policy. RELIGION AND PUBLIC LIFE, Harvard Divinity School14 DivinityAvenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138. my.hds |Harvard Divinity School |Harvard University |Privacy | Accessibility | Digital Accessibility | Trademark Notice | Reporting Copyright InfringementCopyright 2023 President and Fellows of Harvard College. Web Burmas population consists of Buddhists 879 percent Christians 62 percent Muslims 43 percent Animists 08 percent and Hindus 05 percent. New media, such as Facebook, have facilitated the rapid spread of accusations, often inflaming already volatile situations. Middle East Institute Due to historical ties between Hinduism and Buddhism, Hindus have faced far less discrimination than Muslim Indians such as the Rohingya. Christianity is the second largestreligion in Myanmar, making up around 8% of the population. 0 A>E `@q These Buddhist monastics, and supportive lay people, have also organized to advocate for economic and legal oppression of Muslims. In Myanmar, each village has a pagoda and a monastery for worship and religious ceremonies. . The root causes of the recent waves of inter-religious violence involving Rohingya Muslims of Rakhine State are deep, complex and date back many centuries. WebHinduism in Myanmar. MYANMAR RELIGIONS THE OVERVIEW OF MYANMAR RELIGION The main religions of the country are Buddhism (89.2%), Christianity (5.0%), Islam (3.8%), 813-821. Illegal groups are not recognized as citizens in the country, and they have been relentlessly persecuted. Manfred Hutter, Hindus in Southeast and East Asia, Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Eds. For more information see the Joshua Project Small Group Policy. Myanmars population is growing at a rate of about 0.67% per year. . [23] See Kyaw San Wai, Western Myanmar Unrest: Partisan Portrayals Risk Extremist Implications, RSIS Commentaries 131/2012, http://dr.ntu.edu.sg/bitstream/handle/10220/8784/RSIS1312012.pdf?sequen. WebPew Forum on Religion & Public Life / Mapping the Global Muslim Population www.pewforum.org 39 Estimated Percentage Range of Shia by Country Afghanistan 10
