Myanmar is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the formal end of British rule in 1948, and the establishment of the present government. Military parades were held in the capital of Naypidaw, and a traditional 7-day fair has opened in the former capital Yangon. In the 19th century, following three Anglo-Burmese Wars, Myanmar, then called Burma, was colonized by Britain. On January 4th, 1948, the nation became an independent republic. Now the country is facing some major challenges, including a peace process with ethnic groups, the Rohingya crisis and poverty alleviation.