SUMMARY
Please note that this description concerns the broader Muslim population in Myanmar; for specific information about the Muslim population in Rakhine state, consult the Rohingya actor page. It is also worth noting that the information provided here, while describing generally the Muslim minority, may not be directly applicable to the Rohingya.
The Myanma Muslims are a minority religious group in Myanmar (Burma), comprising 4.3 percent of a total population of approximately 55 million inhabitants; this figure is current as of 2014, and adjusted to account for the part of the population not recognized as citizens by the Government of Myanmar (Burma). Most Myanma Muslims adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam. The Muslims in Myanmar are a diverse collection of various ethnic groups, such as the Kamans and parts of the Shan group. The Myanma Muslims live predominantly in urban areas throughout the entire country. Aside from religious practice, there are few notable differences between Myanmar’s Muslim and Buddhist populations; most Muslims, like the majority Buddhist population, speak Burmese (Bama), and are knowledgeable in Myanma history and culture. Islam arrived in Myanmar during the 8th and 9th centuries.
Muslims in Myanmar have long suffered from discrimination, and suspicion against them has existed for several hundred years; mistrust and antipathy against Muslims have been deeply entrenched in Myanma society. However, prior to 1962, and especially during British colonial rule, before 1962, Muslims were able to hold important posts in Myanma society. After General Ne Win seized power in 1962, the position of Islam and the Muslim’s social and political situation has been in steady decline according to Muslim leaders in the country. Following the military crackdown on the nationwide popular protests in 1988, Myanmar’s military regime increased its repression of the Muslim communities further during the early 1990s. The general trend in Myanmar has been incrementally increasing intolerance towards the Muslims among the broader Buddhist population, with extremist Buddhist monks spearheading the anti-Muslim sentiments. Muslims are deliberately and systematically excluded from official positions in the Myanma government and the army; in general, freedom of religion is restricted in Myanmar, especially if it is perceived as a threat against the state. Myanma Muslims suffer from restrictions to their freedom of travel, as well as other forms of everyday discrimination.
