Mon

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A minority ethnic group living in the Irrawaddy delta region of lower Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. The Mon founded the city of Bago in 573 and established kingdoms in the area in the 7th century, but much of their culture was absorbed by invaders such as the Toungoo in 1539, and Alaungpaya, founder of the Konbaung dynasty, in 1757.

The Mon language belongs to the Mon-Khmer branch of the Austro-Asiatic family. They are Buddhists, but also retain older animist beliefs.

Green stands for agriculture. Red recalls the struggle for independence. White denotes peace. Yellow symbolizes mineral wealth. Effective date: April 1983. >>