Myanmar
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At a glance
- Region
- South-Eastern Asia
- Capital
- Naypyidaw
- Population
- 54.5 million (2024)
- Area
- 676,578 km²
- Languages
- Burmese
- Currency
- Burmese kyat (MMK)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +95
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Before you go
Overview
Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia. It was formerly called Burma.
By 2018 it recorded a population of 53.71 million and covers an area of 676,575 km2.
The capital city is Naypyitaw and the largest city is Yangon. Yangon was the former capital city and economic capital. It also has many parks, lakes, large markets and the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda which is the country’s most sacred pagoda with relics belonging to the previous four Buddha.
Sule pagoda, in the centre of Yangon.
History
Myanmar was founded under King Anawrahta in 1057 who introduced Theravada Buddhism. The country was reunited again as Burma in 1531.
It was ruled by the British between 1885 and 1886. Burma became independent in 1948.
The country’s name was changed from Burma to Myanmar in 1989.
Food & culture
Its culture is greatly influenced by the Buddhism religion. This is expressed through clothing, current religion, language and festivals.
The country’ main export is rice. Other crops include pulses, beans, sesame, sugarcane and groundnuts.
The most popular dishes include rice, fish and chicken.
Wildlife
The most common wildlife include the Bengal tiger, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, wild buffalo, wild boars and deer.
Festivals & events
Manaw festival is a dance festival held at the beginning of January.
Ananda Pagoda festival is held to contribute money to maintain the Bagan’s old temple, it also symbolizes Buddha’s wisdom.
Naga New Year festival is held in Lahe.
Things to see
The National Museum at Naypitaw city showcases the country’s ancient artefacts and the Burmese traditional art. Uppatasanti Pagoda is also golden and maintains Buddhist literature in the interior carved section. It also has a [ark for white elephants.
Yangon city still maintains the colonial architecture like the ancient pagodas coated in gold leaf and decorated with jewels. The Shwedagon Paya is a large pagoda where pilgrims visit every year. Botataung and Sule pagodas are other religious centres in the country which houses Buddhist relics.
Inle Lake has features like the stupas of Shwe Inn Dein and gilded Buddha statues. Began is also an outstanding archaeological site along with Yangon.
Ruins of ancient Buddhist shrines and pagodas, Pagan
Interesting facts
Myanmar is one of the miners of the finest rubies, jade and gemstones.
The country’s official language is Burmese.
The most common religion is Theravada Buddhism.
