About Myanmar

Myanmar lies at the crossroads of Asia’s greatest civilizations, China and India. Before 1989, Myanmar is known under different names: Suvanabhumi, Bermah, and Burma. It was well known for its ancient archaeology and rich culture. Myanmar stretches from the islands of the Andaman Sea in the south, right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range, giving a variety of marvellous people and enriched nature.

There are seven states and seven divisions in Myanmar. The divisions are Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, Yangon and the states are Chin State, Kachin State, Kayin State, Kayah State, Mon State, Rakhine State, Shan State. The Independence day is 4th January 1948. There are over 40 foreign missions all over the world, including Embassies, and Consulate Generals. The currency is Kyats. Yangon International Airport and Mandalay International Airport serve as the main airports of Myanmar.
 

Myanmar is situated in southeast Asia and is bordered on the north and northeast by China; on the east and southeast by Laos and Thailand; on the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal; and on the west by Bangladesh and India. It is located between latitudes 09?32’N and 28?31’N and longitudes 92?10’E and 101?11’E. The country covers an area of 677,000 square kilometers (261,228 square miles) ranging 936 kilometers (581 miles) from east to west and 2,051 kilometers (1,275 miles) from north to south.
 

The total area of Myanmar is 678,500 sq km where 657,740 sq km occupies the land and 20,760 sq km occupies the water. The bordering countries are Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, and Thailand 1,800 km. The central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands The lowest point is the Andaman Sea (0 m) and the highest point Hkakabo Razi (5,881 m).
 

Myanmar has three main seasons, hot season, rainy season and cold season. Hot season is from March to May, rainy season is from June to October and cold season is from November to February. The tropical monsoon is usually cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers and less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter.
 

Myanmar is rich in natural resources such as petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower.
 

Myanmar is made up of 135 national races, of which the main national races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Population is estimated to be over 60 million. The nationality is Myanmar. There are more than 100 ethnic groups in Myanmar. Some of the Ethnic groups are listed as Akha, Palaung, Padaung, Naga, Taron, Eng and many more near extinct tribes. The religions are Buddhist, Christian and Muslim. The major language is Myanmar, but minority ethnic groups have their own languages. English is widely spoken and understood.
More information at People & Life Style Section.
 

The earliest primates known today as Pondaung Man, resided in Pondaung, northern Myanmar about 40 million years ago. After those era, many city states emerged, and then came the 3 empires. In the third century BC, Myanmar was already unified into one strong empire. The first Myanmar Empire was created by King Anawrahta of the Bagan Dynasty (1044-1077 AD). The second Myanmar Empire was created by King Bayinnaung of the Taungoo Dynasty (1551-1581 AD). The third Myanmar Empire was led by King Alaungpaya of the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1760 AD). These three great kings were well-known in the Myanmar history for their bravery and good leadership. In 1885, King Thibaw, Queen Supaya Latt and the royal family were taken to Ratanagiri, India and Myanmar fell under the British Rule. Myanmar became a British Colony from 1885 until 1948.

Myanmar has many neighbouring countries, Bangladesh is located in the West, India in the Northwest, China in the Northeast, Laos and Thailand in the East.