As trading routes were formed with both China and India, numerous influences arrived to the land that is today Myanmar. The greatest of these introductions was Buddhism from India, which is still the most commonly practiced religion today. The beliefs of Buddhism form the basis of Myanmarese culture and even now it is expected that every male become a monk for a brief time period as a young boy and again in young adulthood before marrying. It is not uncommon to see women also taking on the monastic life as they shave their heads as well, but wear pink robes instead of the red worn by men. Another great import during this time of trade came from China as numerous Chinese foods arrived and even today Chinese roots can easily be seen in many dishes.
Later in history the lands returned to a nearly isolated state and this transfer in contact moved back and forth over time. The constant was that the mountainous interior always slowed transportation and communication leaving these people more isolated. Because of this isolation, the local rulers controlled the people quite successfully as few outsiders could challenge internal rule and soon great local empires arose, including the Bagan Empire. It was under this empire that today's architecture and culture is rooted as these rulers had the money and resources to put money into all aspects of daily life, including arts, architecture, and more.
Despite the power of the Bagan Empire, it didn't last forever and the country was again fragmented as numerous foreign rulers took over the external parts of the country. However, the less accessible regions were again free from outside rulers as many of these areas saw the rise of minority leaders that represented the local people. This time sparked great division among the people, most particularly the ethnic minorities, who continue to rebel against the government and sought greater freedoms or complete independence.
After some time under the rule of British India, during which Myanmar (then known as Burma) maintained its distance from western culture, the country gained independence. Upon gaining freedom, the country experienced that which they have experienced multiple times in the past, a strong government. As a very peaceful, honest, and non-violent people whose culture is heavily based on Buddhism, there were, and still are, few to no protests against the government. Violence is simply not an option as the people refuse to fight their government, even if they disagree with that government. Despite the lack of protests internally, numerous foreign countries fought this government and isolated the nation as tourism and trade were fought and even banned in many cases, completely isolating the people.
Primarily due to this isolation from foreigners and foreign influences and products, today the people of Myanmar live much as they did 100 years ago. The people dress and act much as they did in the past, they eat the same foods, have the same simple lifestyle, and they follow the same religion, giving them the moral compass that is attached to that. Only minimal outside influences have broken into the country, such as cars and more recently the internet, which is still quite rare. International brands, especially those from Europe and North America, are only now getting into the country as economic blockades were lifted in 2012. This means items like Coca-Cola® are only entering the market now, but are yet to make any true impact on the culture.
Farming, buying foods at local markets, eating at home with family, fishing, and owning small shops are still the norm in Myanmar as chains, even domestic chains, restaurants, and the concept of travel are foreign ideas that make every person in Myanmar intrigued. In fact just being present in Myanmar will lead to numerous encounters as the locals can't help but let their curiosity win as they smile and ask the few passing tourist: "What country!?"