Map of Myanmar

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is recognized by the world as the Golden Land. It is one of the earliest homes of mankind, where one can have exclusive experiences of a life-time. Myanmar sits at the crossroads of Asia’s great civilisations of India and China, and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand. One of South East Asia’s largest and most diverse countries, Myanmar stretches from the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea in the south right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range.

To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. A land of breathtaking beauty and charm yet only recently emerging into the modern world.

Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia in one fascinating country. Virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, combined with a rich and glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups.The country is divided into states, divisions, townships, wards and villages. In 2006 the capital of Myanmar was moved from Yangon (formerly Rangoon) to Nay Pyi Taw.

Myanmar has the total area of 676,577 sq. km, it is twice the size of Vietnam and about the size of United Kingdom and France combined. Geographically, Myanmar is the largest country in South-East Asia Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand.

Myanmar is forest-clad mountainous country. Three parallel chains of mountain ranges run from north to south: the Western Yoma or Rakhine Yoma, the Bago Yoma and the Shan Plateau. They begin from the eastern extremity of the Himalaya mountain range. The peak of the Hkakabo-Razi at 5,881 meters (18,000 feet) is the highest in South-East Asia. These mountain chains divide the country into three river systems: the Ayeyarwaddy, the Sittaung and the Thanlwin. The Ayeyarwaddy , the most important river, about 2,170 km (1350 miles) long, and its major tributary, the Chindwinn, 960 km (600 miles) long, constitute the greatest rivering system in the country. As it joins the sea, the Ayeyarwaddy forms a vast delta of 240 km (150 miles) by 210 km (130 miles). According to these mountain chains and river systems, the country can be divided into seven major topographic regions : the Northern Hills, the Western Hills, the Shan plateau, the Central Belt, the Lower Myanmar Delta, the Rakhine Coastal Region and Tanintharyi Coastal Strip.

Almost half of Myanmar is forested and the supplies of teak and other hardwoods are among the country's most valuable resources, though at risk from over exploitation. Along the coasts there are tidal mangrove forests and, in the north, pine snow forests. Myanmar has a rich supply of bamboo, many types of fruit trees, palms and flowering plants such as hibiscus and rhododendrons.

The bird life of the country is also rich and varied with the river deltas an important habitat for the region's water birds.

Rare animals include the red panda and rhinoceros. Tigers and elephants are more common and bears, leopards, wild cats and buffaloes are among the native mammals. Dolphins and dugongs are found off the coast and in the rivers.

Myanmar has a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The Hlawga Wildlife Park is the home of seventy types of herbivores and ninety species of birds.

Bagan (Pagan), a region in central Myanmar by the Ayeyarwady, is the most important architectural site in Myanmar.Myanmar is most famous for its temples and pagodas, with the Shwedagon Pagoda the most well known.Until recently only religious buildings such as pagodas were made of stone; all other buildings were of wood - even the royal palaces. In the countryside traditional village homes are made from bamboo and wood.
 

Kachin

Kayah

Kayin

Chin

Bamar

Mon

Rakhine

Shan

People

Myanmar is an agrarian country with a population of more than 50 million, about 90 percent of whom live in rural areas. More than 130 different national groups live within the country’s borders. The Bamar are the majority group inhabiting the central zone, while the Shan, Kayin, Kachin, Kayah, Chin, Rakhine and Mon and their sub-groups live in mountainous regions closer to the borders or along the coast. Buddhism is the predominant religion, but there are also substantial numbers of Christians, Hindus, Muslims and animists throughout the country.

Burmese is the main language but minorities have their own languages, for example, Karen, Shan and Mon. English and Chinese are also spoken. 

Rice is the staple food, often eaten with curry and stir-fry vegetables.

Buddhists are not allowed to kill animals but as fish die when they are taken out of water, it is acceptable to eat fish. Salted and dried fish and a paste made from fermented fish are important ingredients in Burmese cuisine. Noodle dishes are popular, often with chicken, as are salads of fruit and vegetables. Chinese and Indian food is also available.

Tea is the most popular drink, sometimes in Chinese style but usually with milk and sugar.

The climate of Myanmar is generally humid, and it receives less rainfall but the temperature remains quite mild all through the year. Myanmar has three seasons a year. Cold season, from mid-October to mid-February, is the best time to visit as it is characterized by milder temperatures, which drop to near freezing in the highlands in December and January, and modest rainfall. Summer is from mid-February to mid-May, when maximum temperatures in many parts of the country often exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Torrential deluges are common during the rainy season, from mid-May to mid-October.

Natural Resources

Myanmar is rich not only in traditions; the fertile land is crossed by a number of rivers that are used for transportation and irrigation, and also as a source of food. Myanmar is very rich in natural resources like petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas and hydropower. Mines have yielded some of the world’s finest rubies and imperial jades, while the sea off the southern coast is prime breeding ground for cultured pearls of excellent luster. The country’s natural resources also include a stunning array of flora and fauna, from elusive tigers and elephants, to rare birds, butterflies and orchids. Many of these species are protected by Myanmar’s system of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.