| Every year, thousands of people from all over
the world come to Canada to start a new life. They come with many different
skills and with the hope of contributing to their new society. This cultural
profile was written to help Canadians welcome immigrants from Myanmar to
Canada. It will tell you something about their culture and what life is
like in their original home. This information will be useful if you are
hosting a Myanmar family as part of the HOST Program, learning about Myanmar
in school or working with colleagues from Myanmar who have recently settled
in Canada.
Of the more than 3,000 people from Myanmar
living in Canada, nearly 800 immigrated between 1991 and 1996. Some came
to join their families, others to study at a Canadian university. Many
left because of political turmoil in the country, or the lack of economic
opportunities in the country. |
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| You can help immigrants from Myanmar settle in
by answering their questions about Canada. They will want to know the same
things that you would if you moved to a different country. What is my new
neighbourhood like? Where can I buy food for my family? Which school will
my children attend? How do I get around in my new community? What is important
is that you share your time, concern and friendship. You have a great deal
to learn from your new friends.
Immigrants from Myanmar may belong to one
of several different ethnic groups. Although this cultural profile provides
insight into some customs, it does not cover all facets of life. The customs
described may not apply in equal measure to all newcomers from this country. |
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Did you know? |
| Myanmar
used to be known as Burma in the English-speaking world. In 1989, the government
declared that it would be known as Myanmar in English. |
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|
Summary Fact Sheet |
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| Official
Name |
Union of Myanmar |
| Capital |
Yangon |
| Type of
Government |
Military Regime |
| Population |
49 million |
| Area |
676,550 sq. km |
| Major
Ethnic Groups |
Burman, Karen, Shan, Arakanese, Mon,
Chin, Kachin, Kayah |
| Languages |
Burmese, English |
| Religion |
Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism |
| Unit of
Currency |
Kyat |
| National
Flag |
Red, with a dark blue rectangle in
the top left corner, on which are a white pinion and an ear of rice surrounded
by 14 white stars |
| Date of
Independence |
January 4, 2022 |
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Did you know? |
| In
the 13th century, Marco Polo visited Myanmar. He was fascinated by the
golden towers shining in the sun and the "vast jungles, teeming with elephants
and other wild beasts." |
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