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About Myanmar
The Land
MYANMAR, with an area of 676,577 square km is the largest country in southeast Asia, sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. It has a coastline of more than 2,500 km facing over the bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. The country stretches over 2,000 km from north to south and over 900 km from east to west with varied topography including islands, rice plains, river valleys and forested mountains.
The People
Myanmar is a union of various ethnic groups, 135 of them with their own languages and cultures. Approximately 70 % of the population of over 50 millions represents villagers' lifestyle. The well- known ethnic groups are Chins, Kachins, Kayins, Kayas, Mons, Shans, Rakkhines, and etc.
Language
Though the official language is Myanmar, English is widely applied.
Historical Background
Early civilization in Myanmar dates back to the 1st century with archaeological evidences of the Pyu kingdoms of Thayekhittaya (Sriksetra), Beikthano (Visnu) and Hanlin.
Myanmar entered a period of greatness in the early 11th century when King Anawrahta unified the country and the first Myanmar Empire with its capital in Bagan was established. The Empire, which lasted until the end of the 13th century, produced a glorious civilization whose monuments still endure.
The second Myanmar Empire with its capital in Bago (Hanthawaddy) was created in the middle of the 16th century by King Bayintnaung.
The third and the last Myanmar Empire was founded by King Alaungpaya in 1752 and had a number of capitals, the last being Mandalay. In the later years of the Empire, Myanmar was annexed, in 3 stages, by the British in 1825, 1852, 1885 and became a British colony. Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese during World War II. In the postwar period the independence movement, which had begun in the early 20th century, came to a climax and Myanmar attained independence on the 4th January 1948.Geography & Climate
The Union of Myanmar is 261,228 square miles (676,577 square kilometers). It stretches for 582 miles (936 kilometers) from east to west and 1,275 miles (2,051 kilometers) from north to south. The length of contiguous frontier is 3,828 miles (6,129 kilometers), sharing 1,370 miles with China, 1,310 miles with Thailand, 832 miles with India, 1,687 miles with Bangladesh, and 148 miles with Laos respectively. The length of the coastline from the mouth of Naaf River to Kawthaung is approximately 1,385 miles. The Union of Myanmar is geographically situated in Southeast Asia between latitudes 9° 32' N and 28° 31' N and longitudes 92° 10' E and 101° 11' E. The People's Republic of China borders Myanmar on the north and northeast, on the east and southeast by the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Kingdom of Thailand, on the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal and on the west by the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Republic of India.
East longitude 96° 13' and north latitude 16° 45' run through Yangon, the Capital City of Myanmar. The climate of Myanmar is roughly divided into three seasons: summer, rainy, and cold winter season. From March to mid-May are summer months; the rain falls from mid-May to the end of October and the cold season starts in November and ends in the end of February. Generally, Myanmar enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. However, climatic conditions differ widely from place to place due to widely different topographical situations. Central Myanmar has an annual rainfall of less than 40 inches while the Rakkhine coast gets about 200 inches. Besides, the average highest temperature in Central Myanmar during the summer months March and April is above 110° F (43.3°C) while in Northern Myanmar is about 79° F (36.1° C) and on the Shan Plateau between 85° F and 95° F (29.4° C and 35° C). Temperature of towns varies according to their location and elevation. Mountain ranges of Myanmar created different climatic condition, rain forest that makes regular rainfall for the rice farmers and also acts as natural barrier which protects the mainland from typhoon and hurricane.Culture & Religion
Myanmar lies in a meeting place of two of the world's great civilizations - China and India. However, Myanmar culture is neither that of China or India but a blend of both. The people maintain the tradition of close family ties, respect for elders and devotion to the teachings of Buddha. 89 % of Myanmars embrace Theravada Buddhism as their religion which greatly influence their daily and social lives. They live a simple life and are easily contented. Myanmars are known for their hospitality and friendliness.
Economy
Myanmar economy today is considered to be transitional, for it is changing from many years of centrally-planned socialist to market-oriented open economy. Private sector has been encouraged and developed in both domestic and external trade. Foreign investment is allowed in almost all sectors of the economy with generous incentives for investors. Agriculture remains the main sector of the economy and private sector participation is strongly encouraged for rapid and sustainable development. As an emerging country rich in natural and human resources, Myanmar has enormous potential for long-term economic development.
Destination
Eco-tourism sites ( please remember to Close by Alt+F4 )
Archaeological Sites
Handicraft Workshops
Entry & Departure Formalities
Travel Tips
Health & Tips Insurance
Time Zone
Temperature
Rain Fall
Business HoursGovernment Offices
09:30 ~ 16:30 hours (closed on Saturday & Sundays)Banks
09:30 ~ 15:00 hours (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)Post Offices
09:00 ~ 16:00 hours (closed on Saturdays & Sundays)Electricity
230 volts AC, 50 Hz.
Do's & Don'ts
