Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Regional Geography, grade: 1,0, University of Cologne (Geographisches Institut), course: Oberseminar Socio-economic developments in Myanmar, language: English, abstract: Introduction Modern-day Republic of the Union of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is shaped by its geographical idiosyncrasies and its history. Both factors are blended into the socio-economic developments of the country which are addressed in this paper. The focus here lies on the pre-colonial and colonial times. The names Burma and Myanmar are used equivalent and without political implications. To approximate an assessment of those two phases, it is necessary start with a short introduction to the crucial geographic and historical factors affecting the social-economic developments until 1948, the year of Myanmar's independence. The definition of the term socio-economic developments is allocated here as well. Subsequently a short overview on the most important periods of Myanmar's history is added. The following detailed description of history and socio-economic conditions and developments of three distinct periods, the Pyu city states, the Konbaung Dynasty and the British rule, enables a general view on the socio-economic developments of the time before the state's independence in 1948. This paper will proceed along one basic assumption: Independent of their time and their technological cultures all three Empires dealt with in this paper had to face the same difficulties: the scarcity of work force due to low density of population and the divide between the 'rice basket' Lower Myanmar and huge areas often depending on its supply of food in the rest of the country. Consequently the history of socio-economic development in Myanmar is hence the history of how each of the examined regimes dealt with those difficulties. Table of content Introduction 1. Geographic & historical basics of socio-economic developments un

Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject Geography / Earth Science - Regional Geography, grade: 1,0, University of Cologne (Geographisches Institut), course: Oberseminar Socio-economic developments in Myanmar, language: English, abstract: Introduction Modern-day Republic of the Union of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is shaped by its geographical idiosyncrasies and its history. Both factors are blended into the socio-economic developments of the country which are addressed in this paper. The focus here lies on the pre-colonial and colonial times. The names Burma and Myanmar are used equivalent and without political implications. To approximate an assessment of those two phases, it is necessary start with a short introduction to the crucial geographic and historical factors affecting the social-economic developments until 1948, the year of Myanmar’s independence. The definition of the term socio-economic developments is allocated here as well. Subsequently a short overview on the most important periods of Myanmar’s history is added. The following detailed description of history and socio-economic conditions and developments of three distinct periods, the Pyu city states, the Konbaung Dynasty and the British rule, enables a general view on the socio-economic developments of the time before the state’s independence in 1948. This paper will proceed along one basic assumption: Independent of their time and their technological cultures all three Empires dealt with in this paper had to face the same difficulties: the scarcity of work force due to low density of population and the divide between the ‘rice basket’ Lower Myanmar and huge areas often depending on its supply of food in the rest of the country. Consequently the history of socio-economic development in Myanmar is hence the history of how each of the examined regimes dealt with those difficulties. Table of content Introduction 1. Geographic & historical basics of socio-economic developments until 1948 2. Overview: The history of Myanmar 3. Pyu City States (ca. 100 – 850 B.C.) 3.1. Pyu City States: Background 3.2. Pyu City states: Socio-economic conditions and developments 4. Socio-economic developments during the Konbaung Empire 4.1. Konbaung Empire: Background 4.2 Konbaung Dynasty: Socio-economic conditions and developments 5. Burma under British rule (1852 - 1948) 5.1. Burma under British rule: Background 5.2 Burma under British rule: Socio-economic conditions and developments 6. Conclusions: Socio-economic developments in Myanmar until 1948 7. Appendix 8. List of illustrations 9. Bibliography

In A History of Myanmar since Ancient Times, Michael Aung-Thwin and Maitrii Aung-Thwin take us from the sacred stupas of the plains of Pagan to grand, colonial-era British mansions, revealing the storied past and rich culture of this country. The book traces the traditions and transformations of Myanmar’s communities over nearly three millennia, from the relics of its Neolithic civilization to the splendors of its pre-colonial kingdoms, its encounters with British colonialism and the struggles for the republic that followed the end of World War II. The authors also consider the complexities of present-day life in Myanmar and examine the key political events and debates of the last twenty-five years that have brought the world’s attention to the country. By exploring current developments within the broader patterns of Myanmar's history, culture and society, they provide a nuanced perspective on the issues and questions surrounding Myanmar’s future. This updated edition considers the changes that have taken place since the elections of 2010, the reforms that the civilian government introduced, and the ramifications of the country's new international status. It also assesses the implications of the 2012 by-elections, the ensuing political dynamics among various stakeholders, and the continuing socio-economic challenges facing Myanmar in the twenty-first century. The most comprehensive history of Myanmar ever published in the English language, this book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Southeast Asian history and will surprise, challenge, and inform in equal measure.

This influential 1948 study investigates the effects of colonial rule in Burma through comparison with the Dutch East Indies.

The Socio-Economic Atlas of Myanmar focuses on the analysis and evaluation of regional differences in geographical conditions, natural resources, infrastructure and, in particular, the socio-economic development in the states and regions of the country in the current transformation process of Myanmar. The Atlas is based on international literature, statistical data, qualitative research and spatial information in a Geographic Information System on Myanmar. The spatial analyses aim to increase the state of knowledge about Myanmar both within the country and abroad, and to support decision-making on spatial development policy.