In which country has conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils been ongoing for thousands of years?

Study for the OSAT World History/Geography Test. Prepare with detailed questions, flashcards, and enlightening explanations. Master your exam effortlessly!

The conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils has primarily taken place in Sri Lanka, making it the correct answer. The roots of this conflict can be traced back to the colonial period, when British administration favored Tamils in public service positions, leading to tensions between the two ethnic groups. Following independence, political power shifted towards the Sinhalese majority, which marginalized the Tamil minority and intensified ethnic identities and grievances.

This longstanding ethnic strife escalated into a protracted civil war from 1983 to 2009, deeply affecting Sri Lankan society and resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. The complexities of language, culture, and political representation have fueled this conflict over time, illustrating how historical grievances can evolve into long-term antagonism.

While Bhutan, Burma (now known as Myanmar), and Thailand have their own unique ethnic tensions and conflicts, they do not feature the same prolonged and focused conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils as seen in Sri Lanka. Each of these countries has different historical contexts and ethnic dynamics that do not parallel the specific situation of Sri Lanka.

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