About Myanmar

Country's Location

Myanmar was known Burma in British time. Now official name Myanmar and golden land with full of Pagodas and a country of friendly people. Myanmar is rich in natural resources and an unique place to study the archeological as well as flora and fauna.

Myanmar is situated in the south east Asia, bordering Thailand, Laos and China in the East and Bangladesh and bay of Bengal in the west and in the north east is India and also China in the north-east. To the south is Adaman sea and bay of Muttama.

Short History of the country

Myanmar history began about the mid-9th century (A.D) when Mongoloid races descended to the Asia plains. Myanmar races namely Pyu, Mon and Burma, Rakhine had higher civilization before 11th century (A.D) with separate city states. At that time11th century , Bagan Dynasty was very famous under the powerful King Anawrahta (1004 -1077). He founded Buddhist religion in Bagan with full of pagodas. ABagan Empire developed and flourished in Religion and culture as well as in economy during Bagan Dynasty.

After Bagan Empire was broken by Mongols, some distinguished Kings appeared such as Alaung Paya, Bayinnaung and Mindon Kindom of Mandalay is full of Myanmar cultures.

But in 1885 , the Imperialish British occupied Myanmar till the second world war. Then Myanmar people untimely fought against British Imperialists and Japanese fascists in 1945. After struggle of Myanmar people, Myanmar Independence was regained in 1948.

People (Nationalities)

Myanmar has a population of 53 millions numbering 135 different ethnic groups and 8 main national races . They are Kachin , Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Burma, Rakhine and Shans, Myanmar is comprised of 7 States and 7 Divisions. There are also some populations of Chinese, Indians (Hindu) and Muslims.

Religion and Culture

The main religion is Theravada Buddhism devoted by majority 87% of the population, about 4.5% are Christians, 4.5%are Muslims, 2.5% are animists and 1.5% are Hindus.

Myanmar has its own culture. There may be some influences of Indian and Chinese civilization Myanmar culture is very broad system. It consists of Religion, literature, architecture, painting, wood carving fine arts, handicrafts, dress, music, drama and social relations among families and people.

In Bagan period, thousands of pagodas and temples shows Myanmar ancient culture as well as around Mandalay and Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon we can see above cultural descriptions of ancient Myanmar civilization.

Myanmar has also significant archaological sites whish are very interested by some western scholars and researchers.

Climate

There are three seasons in Myanmar namely summer (hot) season, monsoon (rainy) season and winter (cold) season. The hot season starts from February to May. The rainy season is from June to September. The cold season starts from October to January.

Average temperatures may be 30-35C in hot season, 25-30C in rainy season and 20-24C in cold season.

Economy

Since 1988, the centrally planned economy was repealed with more liberal market oriented economy. Thus the private sector has been encouraged to do business in domestic & foreign trade and commerce. In keeping with the policy a numbers of laws had been promulgated. Agriculture, forest product, industries, minerals, oil, fisheries and tourism industry are the main sectors. Myanmar is making steady progress in rehabilitation by construction projects of dams, bridges, railways, roads, buildings, electricity and public utilities.