Myanmar, Land like no other

Welcome to Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).

Myanmar tourism is still untouched and travellers appreciate highly its splendid tradition and culture, hospitality, natural scenic beauty, and charming people.

Myanmar remains one of Asia's great exotic destinations for travellers. After several decades of isolation from the world, Myanmar still maintains their deep culture and old traditions. Being devoted in Buddhism, the people are calm and friendly.

Geography

Myanmar is rich in natural resources and is largest country in the South-east Asia Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. With a total land area of 676,577sq.km, it is about the size of Texas and about 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 a 2832 km long coastline on the Indian Ocean. Over 50 percent of the total land area is covered with forests.

Historical Background

The civilization of Myanmar dates back to the 1st century with archaeological evidences of the Pyu Kingdoms of Thayekhittaya (Sri Ksetra), Beithano (Vishnu) and Hanlin.

The first Myanmar Empire was founded in early 11th century in Bagan by King Anawrahta. The capital city of Bagan lasted until the end of 13th century and it was destroyed by the invasion of the Mongols. It 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 the 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 also 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.

Climate and Weather

Myanmar has three seasons. The monsoon or rainy season is from May to October, the cool dry season from November to February, and the hot season from March to May. As the country is large and diverse with many mountainous regions, weather is generally temperate and cool in the north and northeastern parts. During the rainy season lower Myanmar and coastal areas enjoy heavy rain showers but it is dry and pleasant in central regions. Myanmar can be visited all round year. During the rainy season, rainfall varies from 75 cm in the central dry zone to 500 cm in the coastal region. Average temperature ranges from 21 C in the northern highlands, 32 C in central and lower areas.

People

Myanmar is a union of over 100 nationalities with their own languages and dialects. The major races are the Bamar, the Chin, the Kachin, the Shan, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Mon and the Rakhine. The name Myanmar embraces all the nationalities. The population of Myanmar is over 54 million with the Bamar, the majority race, making up about 70 percentage.

Language

The official language is Myanmar but English is widely spoken and understood.

Health

No vaccination certificate is required unless coming from an infected area.

Culture and Tradition

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 the 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 the people, Myanmar hospitality is legendary.

Religion

Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country with more than 90 percent of the people embracing Theravada Buddhism. There are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists.

Currency and Exchange

Another currency is Foreign Exchange Certificate ( FEC ) and are issued in $ 20, $ 10, $ 5 and $ 1 denominations and FECs can be purchased with US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. FECs are accepted by hotels, airlines, travel agencies, taxis, restaurants, and as payment of admission fees to museums and pagodas.

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Always good choice for travelling in Myanmar !