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 Geographical Information.
The land was also known as Suvannabhumi,
Golden Land- in ancient times, and today, with a land area
of 676, 577 sq.km., Myanmar is the largest country in the
Southeast Asia region, bounded by mountain complex in the
north, east and west, and enclosed by the Andamen Sea and
the Bay of Bengal in the south, southwest, and west. Myanmar
shares borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and
Thailand. Situated between latitudes 9. 30’ N and 28. 30’ N
and between longitudes 92. 10’ E and 101. 10’ E the country
stretches 2090 km north to south, and 925 km east to west
and has a varied topography which includes islands,
extensive rice plains, river valleys and forested hills and
mountains.
It has a 2,832 km long coastline on the
Indian Ocean. Myanmar's highest mountains, situated in the
far north, include Hkakabo Razi, the tallest peak both
locally and in the region, which rises 5,881 km above sea
level. The two other mountain systems: a group of low
mountains called the Rakhine Yoma stands in the west forming
a border with the Indian Subcontinent, and the hilly Shan
Plateau separates Myanmar from China, Laos and Thailand.
The central lowland region of Myanmar
consists of the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) and Sittaung river
valleys. Ayeyarwaddy is the longest river in the country
running for 2,010 km from the northern region to the Bay of
Bengal, and serves as the principle transportation route and
as the main source of water supply for the central dry zone.
Climate.
Most of Myanmar enjoys a tropical
climate. Myanmar has three seasons namely rainy or monsoon,
cool, and hot.The rainy season lasts from late May to
October. Rainfall varies greatly from region to region. The
heavy rainfall is brought by seasonal winds called monsoons,
which sweep northeastward from the Indian Ocean. The cool
season runs from late October to mid-February. Temperatures
are lowest at this time, though the climate remains tropical
throughout most of Myanmar. The hot season lasts from late
February to about mid-May. During this season, temperatures
often top 100 °F (38 °C) in many parts of Myanmar.
Population.
Myanmar has a population of over 50.3
million with the Bamar, the majority race, making up about
70 percent. The other major national races consist of Kachin,
Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Myanmar is a
union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages,
dialects and culture.
Language.
The official language is Myanmar, which
is spoken by virtually all of Myanmar people, including
large national races and non-Myanmar ethnic minorities
though they have their own languages and dialects spoken
only in their communities or in particular regions. English,
being the second language, is widely spoken and understood
among the educated urban population.
Cultural & Tradition.
Myanmar is a Buddhist country with the
Buddhists making up about 80 percent of the population,
following the school of Theravada Buddhism. There are also
Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists. But it
respects the freedom of belief and the people practice
religious tolerance on other religions which is evident in
the existence of religious buildings of different beliefs in
large cities. Myanmar lies between two great civilizations,
India and China, and is largely influenced by that of India,
yet Myanmar has developed its own culture with distinctive
characteristics. The unique thing about Myanmar culture is
that it is free from racial or sex discrimination from
childbirth throughout the lifetime.
History.
In 1044, King Anawrahta, a Myanmar ruler,
united the region and founded the First Myanmar Empire, that
lasted nearly 250 years. The kingdom's capital, Bagan, lay
on the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River in the central part of
the country. The Myanmars adopted features of the Mon and
Pyu cultures, including Theravada Buddhism. Mongol invaders
led by Kublai Khan captured Bagan in 1287, shattering the
kingdom.
The Second Myanmar Empire founded by King
Bayintnaung at Taungoo during the 1500's. The Third and last
Myanmar Empire was founded by king Alaungpaya. The first war
was fought from 1824 to 1826, the second in 1852, and the
third in 1885. With these wars, the British gradually
annexed the whole country to its empire and named the
country Burma.
In 1942, Japan occupied Myanmar. Young
Myanmar nationals formed Burma Independence Army with the
help of the Japanese and drove the British out of Burma.
Through the dislike of the Japanese rule, a group of Myanmar
university students, led by General Aung San, formed a
league called Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL)
to fight the Japanese and they helped Britain and Allied
powers regain Burma in 1945 and return to power. The British
had to give Burma full independence on January 4, 1948.
Visa Information.
Passport & Visas
A valid passport with Entry Visa is
required for all tourists 7 businessmen, Tourist Visa are
valid for 28 days and extendible to 14 days. Business Visa
are valid for 3 months.
There are two types of Visa called EVT (
FIT ) and EVT ( Package ) Visa.
Visa on Arrival.
Visa on Arrival for tourists could be
arranged within 10 working days.
It needs;
(1) A passport copy with photo
(2) Father’s name
(3) Occupation
(4) Mailing address
(5) Arrival & departure dates
(6) Arrival & departure International flight numbers
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