Myanmar (Formerly known as BURMA) is the largest country in South-East, Asia Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. Myanmar, known as Suvanna Bhumi (the Golden Earth) in the olden days for its fertile land and rich natural resources is the largest country in the South-East Asia Peninsula. With a total land area of 676,577 sq. km, it is about the size of Texas and the size of United Kingdom and France combined.
Geographically the country stretches over 2090 km from north to south and over 925km east to west. It has a 2832 km long coastline on the Indian Ocean. Over 50 percent of the total land area is covered with forests. There are Seven Regions and Seven Divisions in Myanmar.
Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects. The major races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Bamar, Rakhine and Shan. The name Myanmar embraces all the ethnic groups. Composition of the Different Ethnic Groups under the 8 Major National Ethnic Races in Myanmar.
Padaung races with long necks are very popular and attractive for tourist. Myanmar people are fun-loving and festivals form the centre of Myanmar social life, with each month having its own festive occasion. Myanmar people are also known for their sense of hospitality and friendliness to visitors.
The population of Myanmar is at present over 60 Million with the Bamar, the majority race, making up about 70 percent. The average household size is estimated at 3 or 4 people. As regards education in Myanmar (according to the figure of 1993), the literacy rate stood at 81%. Yangon is the Commercial City of Myanmar and has a population of over 5 million. Naypyidaw is a Administrative Capital. Other cities with a large population are Mandalay, Mawlamyaing, Bago and Pathein.
Majority of Myanmars speak Myanmar language. English is widely understood in cities like Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan etc... Cantonese, Flukiness and Mandarin can also be used in the business circles in Myanmar.
Over 80% of the people embracing Theravada Buddhists. There are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus and even some animists. However there is full freedom of worship for followers of other religions. Christian missionaries have been active in Myanmar for over 150 years. Among them, the American Baptists were first on the scene.
Myanmar lies on the crossroads of two of the World’s great civilizations – China and India. Its culture is a blend of both interspersed with Myanmar native traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence on daily life of the Myanmars. The people have preserved the tradition of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmar is known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.
Myanmar is rich in natural resources including petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, marble, limestone, precious stones and natural gas. Myanmar’s Jade and Ruby are famous in the World-wide.
Myanmar has three seasons are:-.
Changes of the monsoon create summer, rainy and winter seasons. The best time to visit Myanmar is during October to May; however Upper Myanmar is good to travel all year round.
The entire country is:-
Country
Republic of Union of Myanmar (Formerly known as BURMA)
Capital
Naypyidaw (Administrative Capital), Yangon (Commercial City)
Location
South-East Asia Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand.
Area
676, 577 Square Kilo meters
Population
60 Million
Time
UTC (GMT) +6.5 Hours
Language
Myanmar, several dialects and English. English is widely spoken.
Religion
87% Buddhist, 5% Christian, 4% Muslim.
Currency
The local currency is the “KYAT” which is divided into 100 Pyas. Kyat notes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 45, 50, 90, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000.
Electricity
220-240 Volts AC, 50 Hz
Health
No vaccination certificate is required unless coming from an infected area
Shops
Early morning to late evening.
Country Code
+95 - 1(Yangon), +95 - 2 (Mandalay), +95 - 67 (NayPyiDaw)