Definition

Proper noun: * Union of Burma: The official name for the Southeast Asian country now commonly known as Myanmar. It refers to a mountainous republic in Southeast Asia, bordering the Bay of Bengal.

Usage Notes

• "Union of Burma" is a historical and formal name. It was the country's official name from independence in 1948 until 1989.
• In contemporary usage, the name "Myanmar" is more widely used by the United Nations and many countries, though "Burma" is still commonly used in English, particularly in historical contexts or by certain governments and organizations.
• It is treated as a singular proper noun (e.g., ).

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • In 1948, the Union of Burma gained independence from British rule.
  • The geography of the Union of Burma is characterized by mountainous regions and a long coastline.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in historical or diplomatic contexts to refer specifically to the period and political entity between 1948 and 1989.
  • The foreign policy of the Union of Burma was based on neutrality.

Variants and Related Words

• Burma (n): The shorter, common name for the country.
• Myanmar (n): The official name adopted in 1989.
• Republic of the Union of Myanmar (n): The current full official name.

Synonyms

• Burma
• Myanmar

Noun

1. a mountainous republic in southeastern Asia on the Bay of Bengal
   • much opium is grown in Myanmar