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Myanmar in Brief
 The
Land
Myanmar, known as Suvanna Bhumi (the Golden Earth) in the olden
days for its fertile land and rich natural resources is the largest
country in the South-east Asia Peninsular sharing borders with
Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. With a total land area of
676,577 sq. km, it is about the size of Texas and the size of United
Kingdom and France combined. The country stretches over 2090 km from
north to south and over 925 km east to west. It has a 2832 km long
coastline on the Indian Ocean. Over 50 percent of the total land area
is covered with forests.
Climate
Generally, Mvanmar has three seasons. The monsoon or rainy season is
from May to October, the cool dry season from November to February,
and the hot season from March to May. During the rainy season,
rainfall varies from 500 cm in coastal region to 75 cm in the central
dry zone. Average temperature ranges from 32'C in central and lower
areas to 21'C in the northern highlands.
Historical Background
Early
civilization in Myanmar dates back to the 1st century with
archaeological evidences of the Pyu Kingdoms of Thayekhittaya (Sri
Ksetra), Beithano (Visnu) and Hanlin.
The first Myanmar Empire was founded in early 11th century by King
AnaWrahta who unified the country through his strong leadership and
intellect. The Empire with its capital at Bagan lasted until the end
of 13th century with the invasion of the Mongols. This was more than
20 years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Second
Myanmar Empire with its capital in Bago (Pegu) was founded in mid -
16th century by King Bayinnaung. The Third and the last Myanmar Empire
was founded by King Alaungpaya in 1752. In the 19th Century, during
the peak period of colonialism, Myanmar was annexed in three stages by
the British after three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in 1825,1852 and 1885.
During the Second World War, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese for
nearly three years until the Allied Forces' reoccupation in 1945.
Myanmar became a sovereign independent state on January 4, 1948.
The People
Myanmar
is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects.
The major races are the Bamar, the Chin, the Kachin, the Shan, the
Kayah, the Kayin, the Mon and the Rakhine. The name Myanmar embraces
all the ethnic groups. The population of Myanmar is over 47 million
with the Bamar, the majority race, making up about 70 percent.
Religion
Predominantly a Buddhist country with more than 80 percent of the
people embracing Theravada Buddhism. There are also Christians,
Muslims, Hindus and some animists.
Culture
Myanmar lies
between two great civilizations, India and China, but it has developed
its own distinctive culture. Buddhism has a great influence on the
daily livers of the Myanmar people. The people have preserved the
traditions of close family ties, respect for elders and simple native
dress. While tolerance and contentment are the characteristics of the
people, Myanmar hospitality is legendary.
Language
The official
language is Myanmar. English is widely spoken and understood. |
