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Myanmar coup: What is happening and why?



Police have fired rubber bullets at protesters in Myanmar's capital, Nay Pyi Taw, during demonstrations against the coup by the armed
forces.

Over the past four days, tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets, despite a ban on protests.

The country's elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and members of her party, are under house arrest.


Where is Myanmar?
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is in South East Asia and neighbours Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, China and India.

It has a population of about 54 million, most of whom are Burmese speakers, although other languages are also spoken. The biggest city
is Yangon (Rangoon) but the capital is Nay Pyi Taw.

The main religion is Buddhism. There are many ethnic groups in the country, including Rohingya Muslims.

The country gained independence from Britain in 1948. It was ruled by the armed forces from 1962 until 2011, when a new government
began ushering in a return to civilian rule.


Why is Myanmar also known as Burma?
The ruling military changed the country's name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989. The two words mean the same thing but Myanmar is
the more formal version.

Some countries, including the UK, initially refused to use the name as a way of denying the regime's legitimacy.

But use of "Myanmar" has become increasingly common and in 2016 Ms Suu Kyi said it did not matter which name was used.

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