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Flag of Myanmar (formerly Burma)

Introduction
MYANMAR is a new and emerging tourist destination in South East Asia. Known to most
travelers as the Golden land, Myanmar is rich in cultures and natural attractions. There are
numerous pagodas, temples, beauty spots, archaeological sites, snow-peaked mountains, deep
forests with abundant flora and fauna, rivers and natural lakes, unspoilt beaches and
archipelagos, 135 national races with their colourful costumes and customs, traditional arts and
crafts all make up Myanmar the most exotic and fascinating destination in Asia. Visitors will find
Myanmar a beautiful and peaceful place with the most hospitable people in the world.1

Location
Myanmar is situated in Southeast Asia and is bordered on the north and northeast by China, on
the east and southeast by Laos and Thailand, on the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of
Bengal and on the west by Bangladesh and India. It is located between latitudes 09º 32′ N and
28º 31′ N and longitudes 92º 10′ E and 101º 11′ E.2

Geography and Population


Myanmar (Burma) is a country that covers 676,578 square kilometers (about the size of France)
and has a population of 55,123,8143.

Other source Myanmar is made up of 135 national races, of which the main national races are Kachin, Kayah,
Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Population of the country is estimated at 52.4 million (July, 2003) and
the population growth rate is 1.84 percent.

Ethnic Groups
Bamar/Burmese (by some distance the largest in number), Shan, Karen, Kachin, Chin, Mon,
Han Chinese and Indian

Official Language
Burmese

Currency
Kyat

1
http://www.mofa.gov.mm/?page_id=12
2
http://www.mofa.gov.mm/?page_id=12
3
note: estimates for this country take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower
life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the
distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2017 est.)
Capital
Since 2005: Nay Pyi Taw
Former Capital: Yangon (Rangoon)

Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the most widespread religion in Myanmar and plays a big role in public
and private life. Most young people spend time in monastic education and monks and nuns, of
whom there are hundreds of thousands, hold a revered place in society. Pagodas (religious
monuments) can also be found on many roads, river banks, towns and villages throughout the
country; they are central to the life of towns, with shopping arcades and other businesses
sometimes built in their entrance areas4.

Outside of the main ethnic Burmese population areas, particularly in parts of Kachin, Karen and
Chin states, Christianity is devoutly observed. American missionaries played a large part in
converting previously animist locals during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and elements
of animism remain part of these cultures.

Islam and Hinduism are also practiced in Myanmar, particularly by ethnic Indians, and temples
can be found around the country – most notably in Yangon.

Tourism
Myanmar possesses a rich and vibrant cultural tradition. Great natural beauty combines with
magnificent temple architecture.

Traditionally, Myanmar tourism is based on culture. Myanmar with its long history, culture and
religion has many pagodas, temples and monuments all over the country. In addition, Myanmar
is also blessed by nature with natural attractions. There are snow-capped mountains, deep
forests, cool and scenic places, long rivers, beautiful lakes, and manu unspoiled beaches and
archipelagoes. The different national races and their way of life, traditional arts and crafts offer
exotic vistas of the nation while the warm hospitality of Myanmar people world-renowned.5

The Government of Myanmar


The government of Myanmar, as defined by the Constitution of 2008, functions as a
parliamentary republic. In this type of government, the heads of the Cabinet are responsible for
carrying out the laws set forth by Parliament. In 2008, Myanmar established a new Constitution
and created a new form of government, which is divided into 3 branches: legislative, executive,
and judicial.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar Website: www.mofa.gov.mm

Other sources: http://asean.org/storage/2012/05/ASEAN_Stats_Leaflet2016_web.pdf

4
https://www.go-myanmar.com/about-myanmar
5
http://www.mofa.gov.mm/?page_id=12

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