* What is the background of Myanmar?

• Muslim conversions and settlement in the region begin in the 10th century (900s), primarily from Arab and Persian traders and preachers. Europeans begin to set up trading posts in the area in the 16th century (1500s). Eventually the area known as Bengal, primarily Hindu in the western section and mostly Muslim in the eastern half, become part of British India. Partition in 1947 results in an eastern wing in the Muslim-majority area, which becomes East Pakistan. Calls for greater autonomy and animosity between the eastern and western wings of Pakistan lead to a Bengali independence movement. That movement, led by the Awami League (AL) and supported by India, wins independence for Myanmar in a brief war in 1971, during which at least 300,000 civilians die.
• Various ethnic Burmese and ethnic minority city-states or kingdoms occupy Myanmar through the 19th century (1800s). Over a period of 62 years (1824-1886), Britain conquers Myanmar (Burma) and incorporates the country into its Indian Empire as a province of India until 1937 when it becomes a separate, self-governing colony. Myanmar attains independence in 1948 from the British Commonwealth. Struggle between military rule and democracy eventually leads to political and economic reforms, substantially opening the long-isolated country. Authoritarian government places Nobel Peace Prize recipient AUNG SAN SUU KYI under house arrest for many years, but finally releases hundreds of political prisoners and reaches peace agreements with 10 of the 11 major armed ethnic groups. Now, laws provide better protections for basic human rights, gradually reducing restrictions on freedom of the press, association, and civil society.
• A unified Thai kingdom in the mid-14th century (1300s) is known as Siam until 1939. Myanmar is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution leads to a constitutional monarchy in 1932. In alliance with Japan during World War II, Myanmar becomes a US treaty ally in 1954 after sending troops to Korea and later fighting alongside the United States in Vietnam.
• French conquest of Myanmar takes 26 years (1858 1884). Myanmar becomes part of French Indochina in 1887. Myanmar declares independence after World War II, but France continues to rule until its 1954 defeat by communist forces under Ho Chi MINH. Under the Geneva Accords of 1954, Myanmar is divided into the communist North and anti-communist South. US economic and military aid to South Myanmar grow through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the government, but US armed forces withdraw following a cease-fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Myanmar forces overrun the South reuniting the country under communist rule.

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* Which of these is the flag of Myanmar?

• The first green flag with a red disk at center
• The second flag with horizontal tri-color yellow green red with white star at center
• The third flag with horizontal red white and blue various-width bands
• The last red flag with yellow star at center

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* What is the currency in Myanmar?

• taka
• kyat
• baht
• dong

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* The United States celebrates its Independence Day, 4 July (1776). When does Myanmar celebrate its nationhood?

• Independence Day, 26 March (1971); Victory Day
• Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February (1947)
• Birthday of King PHUMIPHON (BHUMIBOL), 5 December (1927)
• Independence Day, 2 September (1945)

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* United States population is 318,892,103 (July 2014 estimate). What is the population of Myanmar?

• Population of Myanmar: 166,280,712
• Population of Myanmar: 55,746,253
• Population of Myanmar: 67,741,401
• Population of Myanmar: 93,421,835

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* The traditional Burmese units of measurement are still in everyday use in Myanmar. Burmese units of measurement include:

• htwa (= 22.86 centimeters) and ngase tha (= 0.816 466 kilogram) and Seit (=1.02284 liter)
• chǐ (= 3.2 decimeters) and liǎng (= 37.301 grams) and shēng (=1.0354688 liter)
• kulaç (=1.8288 meters) and okka (=1.282 kilogram) and şinik (=9.25 liter)
• Wa (about 2 meters) and Chang (= 1.2 kilograms) and Thanan (held in coconut shell - about 1 liter)

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* In the United States, the adult prevalence of obesity rate is 33% (2008). What is the rate in Liberia?

• 1.1%
• 4%
• 8.8%
• 1.7%

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* Literacy in the United States (age 15 and over can read and write) is for the total population 99% - male: 99% and female: 99% (2003 estimate). What is literacy like in Myanmar? (2011 estimate)

• Total population: 100% - male: 100% and female: 100%
• Total population: 92.7% - male: 95.1% and female: 90.4%
• Total population: 57.7% - male: 62% and female: 53.4%
• Total population: 28.1% - male: 43.1% and female: 12.6%

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* In the United States, the chief of state is President Barack H. OBAMA (since 20 January 2009); Vice President Joseph R. BIDEN (since 20 January 2009); the president is both chief of state and head of government. Who is chief of state in Myanmar?

• President Abdul HAMID (since 24 April 2013); head of government: Prime Minister Sheikh HASINA (since 6 January 2009)
• President THEIN SEIN (since 4 February 2011); Vice President SAI MAUK KHAM (since 3 February 2011); Vice President NYAN TUN (since 15 August 2012); the president is both chief of state and head of government
• King PHUMIPHON Adunyadet, also spelled BHUMIBOL Adulyadej (since 9 June 1946); head of government: Prime Minister (acting) NIWATTAMRONG Boonsongpaisan
• President Truong Tan SANG (since 25 July 2011); Vice President Nguyen Thi DOAN (since 25 July 2007); head of government: Prime Minister Nguyen Tan DUNG (since 27 June 2006)

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* What is the capital city of Myanmar?

• Dhaka
• Rangoon (Yangon); note - Nay Pyi Taw is the administrative capital
• Bangkok
• Hanoi (Ha Noi)

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