Download Facts and Figures about Buddhist

Facts and Figures about
Buddhist - Muslim
Communities
in ASEAN
Association of Southeast
(
Asian Nation ASEAN
Member Countries
)
In the course of their historical encounters across
Asia, Buddhism and Islam have engaged in interreligious
coexistence and interchange in Central, South, and
Southeast Asia. Islam and Buddhism first met in Sind
and Central Asia and since the 11th century onwards in
Southeast Asia.
Today, Islam and Buddhism make up the two
majority religions of Southeast Asia with 42% and 40%
populations respectively of the ASEAN community.
Southeast Asia is the only region of the world
today where Buddhism and Islam coexist in direct
religious, cultural and political contact.
The encounter between Islam and Buddhism is one
between a theist and a non-theist religion which is
impacted by their doctrinal differences and also their
acquired ethnic identities in Southeast Asia.
Brunei
Background : The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th
and 17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of
northwest Borneo and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently
entered a period of decline brought on by internal strife over royal
succession, colonial expansion of European powers, and pir acy. In 1888,
Brunei became a British protectorate; independence was achieved in 1984.
The same family has ruled Brunei for over six centuries. Brunei benefits
from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the source of one of the
highest per capita GDPs in Asia.
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the South China Sea and
Malaysia
Nationality : Bruneian
Ethnic groups:
Malay 66.3%, Chinese 11.2%, indigenous 3.4%, other 19.1% (2004 est.)
Languages : Malay, English, Chinese
Religions: Muslim 67%, Buddhist 13%, Christian 10%, other
(includes indigenous beliefs) 10%
Population: 415,717 (July 2013 est.)
Cambodia
Background:
Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the
Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached
its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and
Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a
long period of decline. The king placed the country under French
protection in 1863, and it became part of French Indochina in 1887.
Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full
independence from France in 1953. In April 1975, after a five -year
struggle, communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and
evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from
execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge
regime under Pol Pot. A December 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the
Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese
occupation, and touched off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris
Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and a ceasefire, which
was not fully respected by the Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in
1993 helped restore some semblance of normalcy under a coalition
government. In October 2004, King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the
throne and his son, Prince Norodom Sihamoni, was selected to succeed
him.
Location: Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between
Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos
Nationality : Cambodian(s)
Ethnic groups : Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%
Languages : Khmer 95%, French, English
Religions : Buddhist 96.4%, Muslim 2.1%, other 1.3%, unspecified 0.2%
(1998 census)
Population : 15,205,539 (July 2013 est.)
INDONESIA
Background:
The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; Japan
occupied the islands from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its
independence shortly before Japan's surrender, but it required four years
of sometimes brutal fighting, intermittent negotiations, and UN mediation
before the Netherlands agreed to transfer sovereignty in 1949. A period
of sometimes unruly parliamentary democracy ended in 1957 when
President Soekarno declared martial law and instituted "Guided
Democracy." After an abortive coup in 1965 by alleged communist
sympathizers, Soekarno was gradually eased from power. From 1967 until
1988, President Suharto ruled Indonesia with his "New Order" government.
After rioting toppled Suharto in 1998, free and fair legislative elections
took place in 1999. Indonesia is now the world's third most populous
democracy, the world's largest archipelagic state, and the world's largest
Muslim-majority nation. Current issues include: alleviating poverty,
improving education, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after
four decades of authoritarianism, implementing economic and financial
reforms, stemming corruption, reforming the criminal ju stice system,
holding the military and police accountable for human rights violations,
addressing climate change, and controlling infectious diseases, particularly
those of global and regional importance. In 2005, Indonesia reached a
historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to
democratic elections in Aceh in December 2006. Indonesia continues to
face low intensity armed resistance in Papua by the separatist Free Papua
Movement.
Location : Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and
the Pacific Ocean
Nationality : Indonesian(s)
Ethnic groups : Javanese 40.6%, Sundanese 15%, Madurese 3.3%,
Minangkabau 2.7%, Betawi 2.4%, Bugis 2.4%, Banten 2%, Banjar 1.7%, other
or unspecified 29.9% (2000 census)
Languages : Bahasa Indonesia, English, Dutch, local dialects (of which the
most widely spoken is Javanese)
Religions : Muslim 86.1%, Protestant 5.7%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 1.8%,
other or unspecified 3.4% (2000 census)
Population : 251,160,124 (July 2013 est.)
LAOS
Background:
Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of L an Xang,
established in the 14th century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years
Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and
Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of
gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from
the late 18th century until the late 19th century when it became part of
French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the
current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the communist Pathet Lao
took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and
instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to Vietnam.
A gradual, limited return to private enterprise and the liberalization of
foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of
ASEAN in 1997 and the WTO in 2013.
Location : Southeastern Asia, northeast of Thailand, west of Vietnam
Nationality : Lao or Laotian
Ethnic groups : Lao 55%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 8%, other
(over 100 minor ethnic groups) 26% (2005 census)
Languages : Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic Languages
Religions : Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and
unspecified 31.5% (2005 census)
Population : 6,695,166 (July 2013 est.)
MALAYSIA
Background:
During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established
colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were
occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British -ruled
territories on the Malay Peninsula except Singapore formed the
Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was
formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore, as well
as Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo, joined the
Federation. The first several years of the country's independence
were marred by a communist insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with
Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's withdrawal in
1965. During the 22-year term of Prime Minister Mahathir bin
Mohamad (1981-2003), Malaysia was successful in diversifying its
economy from dependence on exports of raw materials to the
development of manufacturing, services, and tourism. Prime Minister
Mohamed Najib bin Abdul Razak (in office since April 2009) has
continued these pro-business policies and has introduced some civil
reforms. Yet, it is facing the challenge of integrating its ethno religious minorities at the national level.
Location :
Southeastern Asia, peninsula bordering Thailand and northern one third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the
South China Sea, south of Vietnam
Nationality: Malaysian
Ethnic groups :
Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, others
7.8% (2004 est.)
Languages :
Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien,
Hakka, Hainan, Foochow), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Panjabi, Thai
note: in East Malaysia there are several indigenous languages; most
widely spoken are Iban and Kadazan
Religions :
Muslim (or Islam - official) 60.4%, Buddhist 19.2%, Christian 9.1%,
Hindu 6.3%, Confucianism, Taoism, other traditional Chinese religions
2.6%, other or unknown 1.5%, none 0.8% (2000 census)
Population:
29,628,392 (July 2013 est.)
Myanmar
Background: Various ethnic Burmese and ethnic minority city -states or
kingdoms occupied the present borders through the 19th century. Over a
period of 62 years (1824-1886), Britain conquered Burma and incorporated
the country into its Indian Empire. Burma was administered as a province
of India until 1937 when it became a separate, self -governing colony; in
1948, Burma attained independence from th e Commonwealth. Gen. Ne Win
dominated the government from 1962 to 1988, first as military ruler, then
as self-appointed president, and later as political kingpin. In response to
widespread civil unrest, NE WIN resigned in 1988, but within months the
military
crushed
student-led
protests
and
took
power.
Multiparty
legislative elections in 1990 resulted in the main opposition party - the
National League for Democracy (NLD) - winning a landslide victory.
Instead of handing over power, the junta placed NLD lead er (and Nobel
Peace Prize recipient) Aung San Suu Kyi under house arrest from 1989 to
1995, 2000 to 2002, and from May 2003 to November 2010 . Parliamentary
elections held in November 2010, saw the ruling Union Solidarity and
Development Party garner over 75% of the seats. Parliament convened in
January 2011 and selected former Prime Minister THEIN SEIN as
president. Although the vast majority of national -level appointees named
by Thein Sein are former or current military officers, the government has
initiated a series of political and economic reforms leading to a substantial
opening of the long-isolated country. Most political parties have begun
building their institutions in preparation for the next round of general
elections in 2015. Myanmar is currently facing tensions between the
Buddhists and Muslims in the Arakan state.
Location : Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay
of Bengal, between Bangladesh and Thailand
Ethnic groups : Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese
3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, other 5%
Languages : Burmese (official)
note: minority ethnic groups have their own languages
Religions : Buddhist 89%, Christian 4% (Baptist 3%, Roman Catholic 1%),
Muslim 4%, Animist 1%, other 2%
Population : 55,167,330 (July 2013 est.)
PHILIPPINES
Background:
The Philippine Islands became a Spanish colony during the 16 th
century; they were ceded to the US in 1898 following the Spanish American War. In 1935 the Philippines became a self -governing
commonwealth. A 20-year rule by Ferdinand MARCOS ended in 1986,
when a "people power" movement in Manila forced him into exil e and
installed Corazon Aquino as president. Benigno Aquino III was elected
to a six-year term as president in May 2010. Manila has waged a
decades-long struggle against ethnic Moro insurgencies in the southern
Philippines, which has led to a peace accord with the Moro National
Liberation Front and ongoing peace talks with the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front.
Location : Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea
and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam.
Nationality :
noun: Filipino(s)
adjective: Philippine
Ethnic groups :
Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%,
Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000
census)
Languages :
Tagalog and eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano,
Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Religions:
Catholic 82.9% (Roman Catholic 80.9%, Aglipayan 2%), Muslim 5%,
Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, other Christian 4.5%, other
1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)
Population:
107,668,231 (July 2014 est.)
SINGAPORE
Background:
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the
Malaysian Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and
became independent. Singapore subsequently became one of the
world's most prosperous countries with strong international trading
links (its port is one of the world's busiest in terms of tonnage
handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations
of Western Europe.
Location:
Southeastern Asia, islands between Malaysia and Indonesia
Nationality:
noun: Singaporean(s)
adjective: Singapore
Ethnic groups:
Chinese 76.8%, Malay 13.9%, Indian 7.9%, other 1.4% (2000 census)
Languages:
Mandarin (official) 35%, English (official) 23%, Malay (official) 14.1%,
Hokkien 11.4%, Cantonese 5.7%, Teochew 4.9%, Tamil (official) 3.2%,
other Chinese dialects 1.8%, other 0.9% (2000 census)
Religions:
Buddhist 42.5%, Muslim 14.9%, Taoist 8.5%, Hindu 4%, Catholic 4.8%,
other Christian 9.8%, other 0.7%, none 14.8% (2000 cen sus)
Population:
5,460,302 (July 2013 est.)
THAILAND
Background:
A unified Thai kingdom was established in the mid-14th century. Known
as Siam until 1939, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never
to have been taken over by a European power. A bloodless revolution in
1932 led to a constitutional monarchy.
Thai Muslims are the largest religious minority, 44% of whom reside in
the deep south and the rest 56% live in different provinces of the
country.
There is an ethno-religious conflict going on in the deep south since
100 yrs.
Location:
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of
Thailand, southeast of Burma
Nationality:
noun: Thai (singular and plural)
adjective: Thai
Ethnic groups:
Thai 75%, Chinese 14%, other 11%
Languages:
Thai, English (secondary language of the elite), ethnic and regional
dialects
Religions:
Buddhist (official) 92%, Muslim 7%, Christian 0.6% and others. (2000
census)
Population:
67,497,151 (July 2013 est.)
VIETNAM
Background:
The conquest of Vietnam by France began in 1858 and was completed
by 1884. It became part of French Indochina in 1887. Vietnam declared
independence after World War II, but France continued to rule until
its 1954 defeat by communist forces under Ho Chi Minh. Under the
Geneva Accords of 1954, Vietnam was divided into the communist
North and anti-communist South. US economic and military aid to
South Vietnam grew through the 1960s in an attempt to bolster the
government, but US armed forces were withdrawn following a cease fire agreement in 1973. Two years later, North Vietnamese forces
overran the South reuniting the country under communist rule.
However, since the enactment of Vietnam's "doi moi" (renovation)
policy in 1986, Vietnamese authorities have committed to increased
economic liberalization and enacted structural reforms needed to
modernize the economy and to produce more competitive, export driven industries. The communist leaders, however, maintain control on
political expression and have resisted outside calls to improve human
rights.
Location:
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Gulf of Tonkin, and
South China Sea, as well as China, Laos, and Cambodia
Nationality:
noun: Vietnamese (singular and plural)
adjective: Vietnamese
Ethnic groups:
Kinh (Viet) 85.7%, Tay 1.9%, Thai 1.8%, Muong 1.5%, Khmer 1.5%, Mong
1.2%, Nung 1.1%, others 5.3% (1999 census)
Languages:
Vietnamese (official), English (increasingly favored as a second
language), some French, Chinese, and Khmer, mountain area languages
(Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian)
Religions:
Buddhist 9.3%, Catholic 6.7%, Hoa Hao 1.5%, Cao Dai 1.1%, Protestant
0.5%, Muslim 0.1%, none 80.8% (1999 census)
Population:
92,477,857 (July 2013 est.)