Taking a look at Burma (Myanmar) and dictator Than Shwe

Is it a Cyclone ravaged nation? Yes. Do you know anything else about the people of Burma? Chances are, No. If you want to make the world a better place your going to have to learn about dictators and the people that suffer their wrath.
Dictator Than Shwe
Age 75.
In power since 1992.
One of the most secretive world leaders, Gen. Than Shwe is rarely seen in public.
While his people continue to wait for a new constitution promised 18 years ago—Reporters Without Borders ranked Burma 164th out of 168 nations in its 2006 press freedom index. Among the numerous offenses for which Burmese have been arrested are selling tapes of CNN and BBC coverage of the 2004 tsunami “hiding in the dark.”

News of Cyclone Nargis brought attention to a part of the world you should have been paying closer attention to long before a weather pattern make you open your eyes.

The history of Burma


Via CIA - The World Factbook
Geography
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand

People
Population:
47,758,181
note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2008 est.)

Government
Military junta
A military junta is government by a committee of military leaders.

Economy
Burma, a resource-rich country, suffers from pervasive government controls, inefficient economic policies, and rural poverty.

Map of Burma