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The main religion in Burma is Theravada Buddhism which has been the official religion since the 11th century. About 90% of the Burmese people follow Buddhism. Another 4% are Christians (converted during the years of British colonialism, when missionaries were allowed; they have not been allowed in since Independence in 1948). About an equal number are Muslims; although the government claims not to practice religious discrimination, many Muslims have fled to neighboring Bangladesh in recent years, claiming that they have been persecuted. In addition, a number of tribal peoples practice forms of Animism and Shamanism. | The main religion in Burma is Theravada Buddhism which has been the official religion since the 11th century. About 90% of the Burmese people follow Buddhism. Another 4% are Christians (converted during the years of British colonialism, when missionaries were allowed; they have not been allowed in since Independence in 1948). About an equal number are Muslims; although the government claims not to practice religious discrimination, many Muslims have fled to neighboring Bangladesh in recent years, claiming that they have been persecuted. In addition, a number of tribal peoples practice forms of Animism and Shamanism. | ||
However, Theravada Buddhism is ingrained in Burmese history and culture and the country is often defined by it. Every town or village has a monastery, monks are highly visible throughout the country, and every hilltop or riverside, every clump of trees, seems to have a Buddhist shrine or pagoda. The easily recognized landmark of Burma is the Shwedagon Pagoda in the capital Yangon (Rangoon). | However, Theravada Buddhism is ingrained in Burmese history and culture and the country is often defined by it. Every town or village has a monastery, monks are highly visible throughout the country, and every hilltop or riverside, every clump of trees, seems to have a Buddhist shrine or pagoda. The easily recognized landmark of Burma is the Shwedagon Pagoda in the capital Yangon (Rangoon). | ||
[[Category: Myanmar]] | [[Category:Myanmar]][[Category:Religions and Religious Life]] | ||