Image of Asia: Commemorating Union Day in Myanmar

In this photo by Aung Shine Oo, an ethnic Shan woman takes a selfie during a ceremony to mark the 69th anniversary of Union Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Union Day marks the anniversary of a 1947 agreement among the country's ethnic groups that paved the way to independence from Britain. The military ruled Myanmar with an iron fist for many years following independence, but after elections late last year, the country soon will have its first democratically elected government in more than 50 years. Democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's party has a majority in both houses of parliament, so is certain to get the president's post and one of the two vice presidential positions that are scheduled to be announced March 17.