VietnamThe Socialist Republic of Vietnam is known to most simply as Vietnam. "Viet" is the name of the largest ethnic group in Vietnam. "Nam" means "the South". Historically, by including "Nam" in the name of their country, the people of Vietnam are affirming their independence from China (which is also called "North country" by the Vietnamese).

Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world with over 84 million citizens. The "Viet", make up over 86% of the population, though there are more than 54 ethnic minorities throughout Vietnam. Vietnam is approximately 128,066 square miles in size, making it similar in size to Germany. Vietnam's topography includes hills, mountains, and tropical forests.

Vietnam has been strongly influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. 85% of the Vietnamese consider themselves to be Buddhist, though not all regularly practice Buddhism. Around 8% are Christians, the majority of whom are Roman Catholic.

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MyanmarMyanmar, also known as the Union of Myanmar and Burma, is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia. Myanmar is bordered by China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, and India.

In 1962, a military coup toppled the civilian government-since then, Myanmar has been led by a military junta. In 1989, the country's name was changed from Burma to Myanmar-a politically controversial renaming. Though the United Nations accepts the name Myanmar, many Western governments continue to use "Burma".

Myanmar has a population of about 55 million. It is ethnically diverse, and 135 distinct ethnic groups are recognized by the government. Myanmar's culture is heavily influenced by its neighbors, and is based on Theravada Buddhism. 89% of the country's population are Buddhist. 4% are Christian, 4% Muslim, 1% animistic, and 2% follow other beliefs such as Hinduism, Chinese religions, and Baha'i.

Learn more about our work in Myanmar.