Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to Arakan (Rakhine State) in the 16th century and the Portuguese Catholics (and later
Dutch and French mercenaries and prisoners of war) who arrived in the early 17th cen-
tury.
The Catholic community in Myanmar is reckoned to number around 450,000 and is di-
vided into 13 dioceses and three arch dioceses.
Ethnic groups that traditionally practised animism have proved more receptive to conver-
sion to Christianity, especially the Kayin, Kachin and Chin.
Other Religions
Hinduism is practised among locals of Indian descent who settled in the country during
colonial times. However, the religion's influence and reach in Myanmar stretch back
many centuries, as Hindu temples in Bagan attest. Burmese adaptations of Hindu deities
are worshipped as nat .
Other faiths you'll come across include the various traditional religions of Chinese im-
migrants, and animism among the small tribal groups of the highlands.
Yangon has a tiny Jewish community of about 20 people. The Jewish community in
pre-WWII Rangoon numbered around 2500 and the city once had a Jewish mayor (as did
Pathein). Burma was also the first Asian country to recognise Israel in 1949. However,
the military coup and its aftermath encouraged most to leave. Even so, the city's 19th-
century Moseah Yeshua Synagogue is beautifully maintained.
 
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