Myanmar's (Burma) population is estimated at over 52,4 million (July,2003), with the population density being 70 persons per sq km.  Roughly

three quarters of the population are rural inhabitants, with the remaining population living in urban Yangon, Mandalay and Moulmein.

  About two thirds of Myanmar's population are Burman (ethnically close to Tibetans and Chinese) with other minorities making up

the other third. 

Of the minorities, the Karen and the Shan groups which together make up less than ten percent of Myanmar's population are

considered to be the two most important ones.  With the British occupation, most of the ethnic minorities were kept separate within

their borderlands, thus enabling them to maintain their traditions.  Since Burman rule, these minorities, especially the Karen with

occasional help from Shan political groups and the Kachin have rebelled by using arms.