Myanmar-- also known as Burma-- is one of the largest countries in Southeast Asia. Myanmar's culture is influenced by the bordering nations of China, India, Laos, and Thailand. This book provides a detailed overview of the key people, places, and events in this country's past and present.

Timeline of historical events -- Myanmar : an introduction -- Prehistory : the emergence of civilization in early Myanmar -- Bagan (1044-1287) and small kingdoms (1287-1531) -- The Toungoo (1531-1599) and restored Toungoo dynasties (1599-1752) -- The Konbaung dynasty (1752-1885) -- The British conquest of Burma -- Burma under colonial rule -- The Japanese conquest of Burma -- From independence to military dictatorship : Burma 1948-1962 -- Myanmar 1962-1988 : the dictatorship of Ne Win -- Revolutionary upheaval and aborted democracy, 1988-1990 -- Continued dictatorship and lost hope, 1990-2007 -- Political turmoil and natural catastrophe, 2007-2008 -- Contemporary Myanmar : optimism and caution -- Notable people in the history of Myanmar.