MYANMAR

Welcome to The Golden Land

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 of the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal and on the west by Bangladesh and India. It is located between latitudes 09º 32'N and 28º 31'N and longitudes 92º 10'E and 101º 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. It is a land of hills and valleys and is rimmed in the north, east and west by mountain ranges forming a giant horseshoe. Enclosed within the mountain barriers are the flat lands of Ayeyarwady, Chindwin and Sittaung River valleys where most of the country's agricultural land and population are concentrated.

The length of contiguous frontier is 6,159 kilometers. The total length of Myanmar-Bangladesh is 271 kilometers (168.7 miles). The total length of Myanmar-China boundary is 2,204 kilometers (1,370 miles); Myanmar-Thailand 2,107 kilometers (1,309.8 miles); Myanmar-India 1,338 kilometers (831.8 miles); and Myanmar-Laos 238 kilometers (147.9 miles).

Myanmar greatness in history dates back to 11th Century when King Anawrahta consolidated the whole country into the first Myanmar Empire in Bagan well before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Bagan Empire encompassed the entire Menam valley in Thailand and lasted two centuries. The Bagan Dynasty collapsed with the invasion of the Mongols under Kublai Khan in the 13th Century.

The Second Myanmar Empire was founded in mid 16th Century by King Bayinnaung.

King Alaungpaya founded the Third Myanmar Empire in 1752. It was during the zenith of the Konbaung Dynasty that the British moved into Myanmar. Myanmar became a British Colony after three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in the periods of 1824 to 1885.

During World War II, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 till the return of the Allied Forces in 1945.

Myanmar became a sovereign independent state on 4th January, 1948 after more than 100 years of British colonial administration.

The Union of 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 of the country is estimated at 48.16 million (January 1999) and the population growth rate is 1.84 percent.

As a whole, the location and topography of the country generate a diversity of climatic conditions. Seasonal changes in the monsoon wind directions create summer, rainy and winter seasons. Extremes of temperature are rare. The direction of winds and depression bring rain, and although it is always heavy in the coastal areas during the monsoon season, it seldom creates hardships. The Government is giving priority to forest conservation and greening of nine arid districts in central Myanmar.

The main religions of the country are Buddhism (89.2%), Christianity (5.0%), Islam (3.8%), Hinduism (0.5%), Spiritualism (1.2%) and others (0.2%). Religious intolerance or discrimination on grounds of religion is nonexistent in the Union of Myanmar throughout its long history.

Although Myanmar lies between the two great civilizations, India and china, it has developed it's own distinctive culture. Early civilization dating back to 5th Century and Myanmar greatness in history dating back to 11th Century have left a legacy of rich culture heritage and numerous historical and archaeological places.

Buddhism has a strong influence on the daily lives of the people. Myanmar people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for elders, devotion to Buddhist teachings and wearing the simple native dress. Easily contented and cheerful in the face of adversity, Myanmar people are known for their friendliness and simple hospitality.
The official language is Myanmar and it is spoken by at least 80% of the population. The minority ethnic groups have their own languages and dialects.

Myanmar possesses a rich and vibrant cultural tradition. Great natural beauty combines with magnificent temple architecture.

Traditionally, Myanmar tourism is based on culture. Myanmar with its long history, culture and religion has many pagodas, temples and monuments all over the country. In addition, Myanmar is also blessed by nature with natural attractions. There are snow-capped mountains, deep forests, cool and scenic places, long rivers, beautiful lakes, many unspoiled beaches and archipelagos. The different national races and their way of life, traditional arts and crafts offer exotic vistas of the nation while the warm hospitality of Myanmar people is world-renown.

The capital city, is the gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes. Yangon has earned the name of "the Garden City of the East." Relatively simple city without skyscrapers, neon-lit clamour and the peace of modern life. Yangon is attractive in its own special way.

Present day, Yangon covers about 350 square kilometers and has a population of over 5 million. Towering almost 100 meters above the green city-scape of Yangon, the luminous Shwedagon Pagoda is the landmark visible from miles around. One of the wonders of the world, the Shwedagon is believed to have been built more than 2500 years ago. It is the essence of Myanmar and a place that never fails to enchant.