|
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.
Location
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.
Geography
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).
Climate
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.
Natural resources
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.
People
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.
History
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.
Neighbouring Countries
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.
General Information
The country code is +95, and the internet access code is
.mm.
Time Zone = MMT (UTC+6:30)
International airports are in Yangon and Mandalay.
The country is divided into states, divisions, townships,
wards and villages.
Business Hours is usually from 9am to 5pm for private
companies and 9:30-4:30 for government offices. Working days
are
from Monday through Friday. Public holidays are also
included.
Major Credit cards are not widely accepted. Cash is
always more convenient. National currency is Kyat.
Electricity is 200 volts AC, 50Hz.
Taxis are available everywhere. There are over 250 Buses
lines running through Yangon everyday. For exclusive
transport,
there are car rental services.
Domestic highway bus terminals are Aung-Yadanar and
Sawbwargyi-Gone, both about 10 miles from downtown Yangon.
Common local unit of weight is peiktha (viss), which
equals to 3.6 pounds.
Most common unit of measure is feet and inches.
Clothing should be light, casual cotton wear, sandals or
slippers are best for summer.
A cardigan or light jerkin for winter and quick drying
clothes and an umbrella during the rainy season.
|
|