|
|
General Information
Geographical Information
| Climate
| Population
| Language
| Cultural &
Tradition |
History |
Embassies in Myanmar
|
Myanmar Embassies Abroad
Visa Information
| Visa on Arrival
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
|
