With all of the news coming out around Myanmar recently, some people have noticed that some publications will call the country "Myanmar" while others prefer the term "Burma". It's the only country that I can think of where there is actually a debate on what to call it. In fact, when visiting US Senators start using the name "Myanmar", people write whole articles on it. (here and here)
So, where does this confusion come from? Let me take you on a long, winding and insightful look as to where these names come from.
Burma/Myanmar
To begin with, there's a lot of debate as to where the name Myanmar actually comes from. In short, it's been around since around the 9th century, at the same time that Bagan was in its heyday. Whatever the origin, it was clear that the term Myanmar was there to represent the people who inhabited that kingdom. There were many other ethnic groups and societies living in modern-day Myanmar at that time including Rakhine, Shan, Kachin, Mon, and Kayin just to name a few. So, the name Myanmar was applied only to the people of the central, lowland areas.
We're silly and adventurous, computer geeks and yoga peeps.