PREFACE The location of Burma in Southeast Asia close to China, India and North and South Vietnam gives it a geographic significance beyond that which its size and resources might justify. The socialist programs initiated by the Ne Win government, on its assumption of power in 1962, combined with the government's policy of uncompromising neutralism have not had good effects on the economy. In making paramount the determination to let nothing weaken the policy of noncommitment, the government has limited its acceptance of foreign aid and refused offers of economic assistance from abroad. Burma is strategically situated on the periphery of the free world and is contiguous to the Southeast Asian area. In 1967, almost 20 years after achieving independence, the government was endeavoring to maintain a difficult course between East and West and remain uncommitted in the ideological struggles of the major powers. In striving to be friendly with, yet aloof from, its adjoining states, the long border with Communist China has required a particularly circumspect effort to ensure amicable relations with its Communist neighbor. The country has resisted becoming a buffer between East and West or a pawn in international affairs. Its efforts to follow an independent and solitary path in its relations with the rest of the world present an interesting and significant experiment on the international scene. Research and analysis of the principal social, political and economic aspects of the society have involved the usual problems encountered in studying an underdeveloped country that is going through a process of significant change. This was further complicated by the few available contacts and the limited access to documents and other material from the country. Burma's determination to maintain its course of noncommitment has created an atmosphere of withdrawal that amounts to virtual isolation from the international scene. Where desired information has not been available, an effort has been made to identify the gaps and their possible implications. Some of the material for this handbook was taken from a threevolume study on Burma by Frank N. Trager and Associates, published by the Human Relations Area Files, Inc., of New Haven, Connecticut. This study appeared in 1956 in monograph form and has required considerable revision and extensive updating. The spelling of Burmese terms and proper names conforms as closely as possible to local usage. Place names are given as established by the United States Board on Geographic Names. The short glossary included as an appendix makes no effort to be exhaustive but aims to provide a quick reference guide covering unfamiliar terms that the reader may encounter. Natural Features-Boundaries and Political Subdivi- sions-Settlement Patterns-Works of Man Early History-The British Conquest of Burma— The Japanese Occupation-Postwar Independence 4. Population and Labor Force.... Population Structure-Population Dynamics-Popu- lation Problems and Attitudes-Structure and Dynam- 5. Ethnic Groups and Languages... - Ethnic and Linguistic Classification-The Peoples of Historical Development-Rural Society-Urban Soci- Revivalism—Architecture-Music, Dance, Drama and Films-Handicrafts-Literature Theravada Buddhism-The Role of Buddhism in Bur- mese Life-Buddhist Ceremony and Religious Symbol- Table of Contents-Continued Page Background of the Constitutional System-The Con- stitution-Structure and Functions of the Central Gov- Administrators and the Political Leaders-The Armed Services-Buddhists and Students-Ethnic Minorities- Communists-The Peasant and Politics-Government by Determinants of Policy-Relations with Communist China-Relations with India and Pakistan-Relations with Countries of Southeast Asia-Special Relationships Communication Patterns-Newspapers-Radio, Films and Publishing-Government Information-Foreign In- 17. Political Values and Attitudes The Village Dweller-The Political Elite Political Customs-Socialism-Separatism-The Military in Po- Natural Resources and Their Use-Land Tenure- Practices and Production-Livestock-Fishing and Lum- |