MYANMAR's official name has changed fourth since the country gained independence from Britain on 4 January 1948. The name was then changed from the colonial "Burma" to the "Union of Burma". In March 1974, it became "The Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma". Then, on 18 June 1989, was to the "Union of Myanmar". The latest change, after 2010 general election, was to the "Republic of The Union of Myanmar".
Myanmar's political system has also changed - five times. Upon gaining independence, colonial rule was replaced by a parliamentary democracy. After 2 March 1962, direct military rule was practised. A one-party socialist system was in place from January 1974 until 18 September 1988. The country then reverted to military rule. Two years ago in 2010, multi-parties parliamentary democracy was resumed.
Myanmar is divided into seven states (named after the major non-Bamar ethnic groups that inhabit them) and seven divisions (areas where the Bamar ethnic group is in the majority). These are further subdivided into districts, townships, and wards (in towns) or village tracts (groupings of villages in the countryside). Each state or division has a designated capital. Nay Pyi Taw (meaning abode of Kings) replaced Yangon (former Rangoon) as the national capital in November 2005.
(source: Southeast Asia in a new era)
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