Myanmar (Burma)

In Buddhist Myanmar, there's a view that abortion is wrong because "human life happens only in a blue moon, so we shouldn't waste a life like this."

Providing safe illegal abortions in Myanmar is a ‘karmic balance,’ says one doctor

Abortion is illegal in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, but many women still seek access. Illegal abortions are a leading cause of maternal death there.

Providing safe illegal abortions in Myanmar is a ‘karmic balance,’ says one doctor
Bart (l) -- aka Kyaw Moe Khine -- with his street art crew ROAR. Bart says battling with teachers over his art work helped develop his rebellious streak.

A Burmese atheist who takes inspiration from George Carlin and Bart Simpson

A Burmese atheist who takes inspiration from George Carlin and Bart Simpson
Supporters of Myanmar's pro-democracy figurehead Aung San Suu Kyi gather outside National League for Democracy headquarters (NLD) in Yangon, Myanmar, November 9, 2015.

'We voted and we feel good.' Joy in Myanmar at democracy, at last.

'We voted and we feel good.' Joy in Myanmar at democracy, at last.
Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi shakes hands with supporters after giving a speech in Monywa November 30, 2012.

You down with NLD? Aung San Suu Kyi’s party has a rap song

You down with NLD? Aung San Suu Kyi’s party has a rap song
Aung San Suu Kyi

The rise of Myanmar's 'Lady' Aung San Suu Kyi

The rise of Myanmar's 'Lady' Aung San Suu Kyi
Zin Mar Aung of Myanmar (center) receives congratulations from First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as she receives a State Department 2012 International Women of Courage Award.

Myanmar's military regime says it's making way for democracy, but this activist says freedom is a long way off

Residents of Myanmar are welcoming President Barack Obama during his second diplomatic visit to the nation also known as Burma. While the country has taken modest steps toward ending military rule, activists like Zin Mar Aung, worry that Obama's trip might legitimize the slow pace of reform.

Myanmar's military regime says it's making way for democracy, but this activist says freedom is a long way off
Figures in the shrines represent a multitude of personages from the Burmese pantheon, mixing figures of the Buddha with nat and weikza figures from traditional spirit worship. (Photo: Bruce Wallace)

Spirits on the Streets of Yangon

Whatever else you do while you're in Myanmar, be sure to save time for wandering around downtown Yangon. You might see a nat house, a shrine that's home to diverse universe of spirits worshiped in Myanmar.

Spirits on the Streets of Yangon

Labor Laws Strengthened in Myanmar, But Workers Still Struggle

Myanmar's workers were granted new job protections and rights to organize almost two years ago. Yet organizing can cost workers their jobs.

Labor Laws Strengthened in Myanmar, But Workers Still Struggle

Seeking Forgiveness in Myanmar, on Anniversary of Uprising

August 8 marks the 25th anniversary of a peaceful "people power" uprising in Myanmar, also known as Burma. Anchor Aaron Schachter speaks with Christopher Gunness, who was a BBC reporter in Burma in 1988.

Seeking Forgiveness in Myanmar, on Anniversary of Uprising

How Myanmar's Political Change Impacts its Rural Poor

In Myanmar, there are hard truths that keep people here poor. It's difficult to reach schools and hospitals. And even with micro-finance programs, it's hard to build up farms. So is Myanmar's drastic political changes having any effect?

How Myanmar's Political Change Impacts its Rural Poor

Ethnic & Religious Violence Challenge Democratic Transition in Myanmar

Despite its ongoing transition from authoritarian rule to democracy, Myanmar is still facing serious tensions among its various ethnic groups. Anchor Marco Werman discusses those tensions with The World's Aaron Schachter.

Ethnic & Religious Violence Challenge Democratic Transition in Myanmar

The History and Future of Government-Monastery Relations in a Changing Myanmar

The former military regime in Myanmar established a leadership group for monks called the Sangha Council. It's supposed to set policy for tens of thousands of monks. But as Bruce Wallace reports, it's largely ineffectual and increasingly irrelevant.

The History and Future of Government-Monastery Relations in a Changing Myanmar

Myanmar's Young Expats Consider Returning Home

As the world watches Myanmar's fitful reforms, some of the country's citizens living abroad are weighing a return home. Reporter Bruce Wallace talks with two Myanmar graduate students in New York City about their plans.

Myanmar's Young Expats Consider Returning Home

Knockoffs of Iconic American Brands in Myanmar

Myanmar has undergone dramatic political change. Myanmar President Thein Sein is hoping that will mean more US investment in his country. But, American companies are going to face some challenges in Myanmar. Patrick Winn is a reporter with Global Post.

Knockoffs of Iconic American Brands in Myanmar

The Buddhist Path for Young Men in Myanmar

About a half million people in Myanmar, also known as Burma, devote their lives to Buddhist practice and live in monasteries. Bruce Wallace has the story of two monks who are about to "graduate" and are trying to figure out what's next for them.

The Buddhist Path for Young Men in Myanmar