Location

Myanmar is situated in Southeast Asia and shares borders with China, India, Thailand, Bangladesh and Laos. It acts as a bridge between Southeast Asia and China as well as India, the two largest countries in the world.

Area

Myanmar has a total area of 676,577 sq km. It stretches for 936 km from east to west and 2,051 km from north to south. Myanmar, geographically, is the largest country in the Southeast Asia Peninsula, and 40th largest country in the world.

Topography

Myanmar's topography is varied and diverse, ranging from wide unspoiled beaches to beautiful plateaus and high mountains, including Khakhaborazi, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Indeed, Myanmar is the only country in Southeast Asia with snow-capped mountains. The offshore islands of Myanmar offer unique opportunity for seafarers. The country is covered by wide expanses of forest, containing a great variety of flora and fauna as well as animals and birds.

Forests, including dense tropical growth and valuable teak in lower Myanmar, cover over 49% of the country. Other trees indigenous to the region include rubber, acacia, bamboo, ironwood, mangrove, coconut, betel palm. In the highlands of the north, oak, pine, and various rhododendrons cover much of the land. The lands along the coast support all varieties of tropical fruits.

Typical jungle animals, particularly tigers and leopards are common in Myanmar. In upper Myanmar, there are rhinoceros, wild buffaloes, wild boars, deer antelopes and elephants, which are also tamed or bred in captivity, for use as work animals, particularly in the lumber industry. Smaller mammals are also numerous ranging from gibbons and monkeys to flying foxes and tapirs. The abundance of birds is notable with over 800 species, including parrots, peafowl, pheasants, crows, herons, and paddybirds. Among reptile species there are crocodiles, geckos, cobras, pythons, and turtles. Hundreds of species of freshwater fish are wide-ranging, plentiful and are very important food sources.

Weather

Myanmar has three distinct seasons: Summer (March to May), Monsoon or Rainy Season (June to October) and Cool Season (November to February. Although the Cool Season is the best tourist season climate-wise, the other seasons also offer their own attractions, with special and unique festivals.

Historical Background

Recent archeological finds reveal that prehistoric civilizations lived in Myanmar since ancient times. Moreover, Myanmar has a long history as an independent nation and the First Myanmar Empire was founded by King Anawrahta, the king of Bagan Kingdom, in the 11th century by uniting the whole country. Together with Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Sukothai in Thailand, the city of Bagan of the First Myanmar Empire stands as one of the most important historical, cultural and archeological sites of the Southeast Asia region. By the 1100s, large portions of continental Southeast Asia were controlled by Bagan Kingdom and it were called the First Myanmar Empire.

The dynasty of Bagan Kingdom reigned for over two centuries, when it was invaded and devastated by Mongols under Kublai Khan in late 1200s. In 16th century, approximately around 1531, Taungoo Kingdom was established by King Tabinshwehti and re-unified the Myanmar and established the Second Myanmar Empire. King Bayinnaung who succeeded Tabinshwehti, struggled and expanded the empire. The Second Myanmar Empire stretched from the borders of India to parts of Thailand and Laos. The Empire collapsed in 1599.

In the 1700s, King Alaungpaya established Konbaung Dynasty and the Third and Last Myanmar Empire. After reigned for 133 years, there were three Anglo-Myanmar wars in 1826, 1851 and 1885. In late November 1885, the Last Myanmar Empire collapsed and colonized by British Empire. Although it became a British colony in 1885, it regained its independence in 1948.

Populations, time and currency

The population of Myanmar is over 53 millions and it is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own cultures, civilizations, and languages. The national races of Myanmar are one of the greatest attributes and charms of the country. The friendliness and hospitality of the people have become world renown.

Myanmar is six hour and thirty minutes ahead of Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT+6:30).

The currency is called “Kyat”.

Capital

The administrative capital is Naypyidaw and economic capital is Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar with a population of over 4 million inhabitants./