About Myanmar
Shwedagon Pagoda
The Country and its People
The Land
Myanmar, Known as Suvanna Bhumi (the Golden Earth)
in the olden days for its fertile land and rich
resources is the largest country in South-east Asia
Peninsular sharing borders with Bangladesh, India,
China, Laos and Thailand. With the total land area
of 676,577 sq, km, it is about the size of Texas
and the size of United Kingdom and France combined.
The country stretches over 2090 km from north to
south and over 925 km from east to west. It has
2832 km long coastline facing the Indian Ocean.
Over 50 percent of the total land area is covered
with forests.
Climate
Generally, Myanmar has three seasons. The monsoon
or rainy season is from May to October, the cool
dry season is from November to February and the
hot season is from March to May. Average temperature
ranges from 32oC in central and lower areas to 21oC
in the northern highlands.
The People
Myanmar has a population of 56 million and consist
of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and
dialects. The major races are the Kachin, the Kayah,
the Kayin, the Chin, the Mon, the Bamah, the Rakhine
and the Shan. The name Myanmar embraces all the
ethnic groups.
The Religion
Predominantly, a Buddhist country with more than
80 percent of the people embracing Theravada Buddhism.
There are also Christians, Muslins, Hindus and some
animists.
Language
The official language is Myanmar. English is widely
spoken and understood.
Culture
 Myanmar
lies between two great civilizations, India and
China, but it has developed its own distinctive
culture. Buddhism has a great influence on the daily
lives of Myanmar people. The people have preserved
the traditions of close family ties, respect for
elders and simple native dress. While tolerance
and contentment are the characteristics of Myanmar
people, hospitality is legendary.
Historical Background
Early civilization in Myanmar dates back to the
1st century with archaeological evidences of Pyu
Kingdoms of Thayekhittaya (Sri Ksetra), Beithano
(Visnu) and Hanlin.
The First Myanmar Empire was founded in early 11th
century by King Anawrahta, who unified the country
through his strong leadership and intellect. The
Empire with its capital at Bagan lasted until the
end of 13th century with the invasion of Mongols.
This was more than 20 years before the Norman Conquest
of England in 1066. The Second Myanmar Empire with
its capital in Bago (Pegu) was founded in mid- 16th
century by King Bayinnaung. The Third and last Myanmar
Empire was founded by King Alaungpaya in 1752. In
the 19th century, during the peak period of colonialism,
Myanmar was annexed in three stages by the British
after three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in 1825, 1852 and
1885. During the Second World War, Myanmar was occupied
by the Japanese for nearly three years until the
Allied Forces' reoccupation in 1945. Myanmar became
a sovereign independent state on January 4, 1948.
Economy
It is a transitional economy moving from 26 years
of centrally-planned socialist economy to market-oriented
open economy. Private sector participation has been
encouraged and developed in both domestic and external
trade. Foreign investment is allowed in almost all
sectors of the economy with incentives for investors.
As an emerging country rich in natural and human
resources, Myanmar has enormous potentials for long
term economic development.
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