Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, a land of friendly people, a land of the million pagodas, to name a few, is rich in natural and cultural resources. For its long history and big size, it is an ideal place to experience the archeology as well as flora and fauna. There are a lot of existing and newly-developed destinations in Myanmar. Not only natural and man-made places but also its friendly people itself are also uniquely attractive. Myanmar is situated in the South East Asia. It is between Thailand and Laos on the east, Bangladesh to the west and China and India to the north. It is a country of 676000 square kilometers. It lies between latitude 10 and 28 degrees north, and longitude 92 and 101 degrees east. To the south are the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Myanmar has a population of 53 million. There are 135 different ethnic groups and 8 main national races in Myanmar. Physically, Myanmar consists of seven states and seven divisions.

The History

Myanmar has a long vibrant history. Myanmar history began when races of Mongoloid stock from central Asia descended to the plains, probably in the mid-9th century. They came into contact with Pyus and Mons who had already attained a higher level of civilization before 11th century. King Anawrahta (1004-77) welded into one kingdom a group of formerly independent states, with Bagan as capital. But Bagan succumbed to the onslaught of the Mongols in 1287. Myanmar split up into small principalities unit at last she was totally annexed by the British imperialists in the year 1885. Myanmar people united and consecutively fought against the British imperialists and the Japanese fascists who ruled Myanmar from 1942-45. Thus Myanmar independence is really hard-won with the strength of the entire mass of people.

People

Myanmar has a population of about 53 million. There are 135 different ethnic groups and 8 main national races in Myanmar. All of them have their own traditional cultures, customs and believing systems. The 68% of the population are ethnic Bamar. Other ethnic groups are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhaing and Shan. There is also a significant of Chinese and Indians in the country.

The Culture

Like every nation else, Myanmar has its own culture. Albeit flanked by the two greatest civilizations of the world, China and Indian, Myanmar culture is unique and exotic. Myanma culture consists of religion, literature, dress, architecture, painting, wood carving, martial art, handicrafts, weaving, fine arts which are all really adorable. The Shwedagon Pagoda and the numerous stupas and temples of Bagan manifest the ancient status of Myanmar culture. Myanmar music is melodious, and Myanmar literature is deep and wide with its verses, poems, epics and prose. Myanmar archeology is popular across the south-east Asia.

Religion

Theravada Buddhism is professed by the great majority of the people of Myanmar. About 87% of population is Buddhists, 5% are animists, 4.5% are Christian, 4% are Muslim and 1.5% are Hindu.

Climate

Myanmar has three seasons: the rainy, the cold and the hot seasons. The hot season is from February to April. Average temperature will be 30-35 C. The rainy season is from May to mid October. Average temperature will be 25-30 C. The cold season is from November to January. Average temperature will be 20-24 C.