Burma officially changed its name to Myanmar in 1989 under the ruling military junta, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). The change was part of a broader effort by the regime to replace colonial-era names with ones that were seen as more inclusive of the country’s diverse ethnic groups.
Reasons for the Name Change
- Colonial History:
- The name “Burma” was derived from the Bamar, the dominant ethnic group in the country. Critics argued that it excluded the many other ethnic minorities in the nation.
- “Myanmar” is derived from the classical name Myanma, which is considered more inclusive and representative of the country as a whole.
- Political Legitimacy:
- The junta sought to distance itself from colonial legacies and assert its authority by renaming the country and various places, such as the capital city from Rangoon to Yangon.
International Reactions
- Many countries and organizations, including the United Nations, adopted the name “Myanmar” following the official change.
- However, several Western countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, continued to use “Burma” for decades, as they did not recognize the legitimacy of the military junta that imposed the change.
Current Usage
- Myanmar:
- Officially used by the government and in most international contexts, including by the UN and ASEAN.
- Burma:
- Still used colloquially and in political contexts by some opposition groups and governments, such as the U.S. State Department, especially when referring to the pre-1989 period or rejecting the junta’s legitimacy.