About Myanmar
Myanmar is one of the last countries of Asia to be revealed to the travelling
world. Located between India, China and Thailand, the people of this enchanted
land have developed a culture which has endured invasion and change by absorbing
and taking the best from those around them and creating their own style and
flair.
Visitors to Myanmar will find there is much to discover and experience – from
pristine natural regions to golden pagodas to relics from an ancient past.
History
Myanmar has a rich and intense history stretching back to times of Pyu dynasty
which prospered for a 1000 years from 200 BC to 900 AD.
The first Myanmar Empire which was established in Bagan by King Anawrahta in the
11th century.
This civilisation lasted of over 200years and was replaced by the second Empire
of King Bayinnaung in the 16th century.
In 1824 began a number of wars between the Kingdom of Myanmar and the British
Empire. These wars culminated in 1885 with the overthrow, by the British, of the
last King and the beginning of colonialisation for the next 60 years. During WW2
Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 -1945 and in 1948 Myanmar was
freed from British rule and became an independent country.
The
People
In 2017 the population of Myanmar was 53.37 million and consisted of many
different ethnic groups including the Bamar, the largest group, Kachin, Kayin,
Kayah, Chin, Mon Rakhine and Shan. Over 80% of the population is Buddhist and
the most common language is Burmese, with many ethnic dialects spoken. English
is widely spoken, along with Mandarin, Cantonese and Hindu.
The country is recognised for having many colourful and exciting festivals
nearly each month – among them are, Thingyan Water Festival, Naga New Year and
the Hot Air Balloon Festival.
What is for sure is the people of Myanmar are well known for being a warm and
friendly towards visitors.
Geography
Myanmar is officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and borders
Bangladesh, India in the west, China in the north, Laos and Thailand in the east
and the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the south. The country covers a
size of 676,578sq Kms.
The country is divided into two large regions- Lower Myanmar – Coastal region
and Upper Myanmar – Interior Region. There is a mountainous region in the north
and whilst the rest of the country is dominated by a number of large and minor
rivers spreading across the land.
Mountains are more common in the north with the highest reaching 5881meters. The
interior plains and the delta of the Ayeyarwaddy River are extremely fertile
providing rich soil for the paddy fields, which play a huge role in the
country’s economy.
The north west and south west coasts are dotted with islands and beautiful
beaches.
At higher elevations the weather is cooler, whilst the central region has lesser
rainfall and the rainy season lasts from mid May to mid October, but overall you
can visit all year round.
Tourist Destinations of Myanmar
Videos
Tourism related articles
- Wa Ale Resort in Lampi Marine National Park reopens for travellers (15 October 2024)
- Bagan offers horse carts tours for visitors during Thadingyut Festival (14 October 2024)
- Massive pilgrims flock to Bagan, Popa for Thadingyut Festival (21 October 2024)
