Junta steps up Kachin militia training

Fears over fighting in Burma's northernmost state increase as the Burmese army embarks on extensive training of local civilians for militias

Opposition party ‘obeys the junta’

Veteran left-wing journalist Ludu Sein Win blasts the National League for Democracy's “neglect of all crucial events in Burma”

State media in Burma again accuses opposition Karen National Liberation Army of lethal mine blasts in volatile eastern state

Burma (Myanmar)

Official name: Union of Myanmar

Population: 50.7 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Nay Pyi Taw

Largest city: Rangoon (Yangon)

Area: 676,552 sq km (261,218 sq miles)

Major languages: Burmese, indigenous ethnic languages

Major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam

Life expectancy: 57 years (men), 63 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 kyat = 100 pyas

Main exports: Teak, pulses and beans, prawns, fish, rice, opiates, oil and gas

GNI per capita: not available

Internet domain: .mm

International dialling code: +95