Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
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.)