Myanmar :: People
Population: 47.4 million (July 2007 est.) 0-14 years: 26.1% (male 6.3 million; female 6.1 million)
Ethnic groups: Bamar aka Burman 68%,
Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine (Arakanese) 4%,
Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, other 5%
Myanmar's government recognises 135 ethnic groups, the largest are the Bamar who live mainly in the central heartlands. The ethnic minorities live mainly in the hinterland. More than 20 ethnic groups (e.g., the Was who live on the Myanmar-China border and the Kachins) are fighting for autonomy.
Religions: Buddhist 89%,
Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%),
Muslim 4%,
animist 1%, other 2%
Despite being devoted Buddhists, the Myanmar people still believe in spirit beings called "Nat" and "Naga" (with the ability to take human form).Languages: Burmese, minority ethnic groups have their own languages
Literacy rate: 89.9% (of those age 15 and above) can read and write (2000 census)
Source of statistics: World Factbook, updated August 2007