Name of the country: The Union of Myanmar. It is also called Burma (Golden Land)

Capital city: Rangoon / Yangon

Government: Military Party

Population: About 50 million

Area: Land Area: About 677.000 sq km

Climate: The rainy season lasts from Mid-May until Mid-October. For the next few months, the weather is quite agreeable

Geography: It is located between Thai Land and Bangladesh and borders India, Laos and Chinese in the North.

Security: Safe and stable

Religion: 87% of Myanmar’s citizens are Theravada Buddhist. But there is also a strong belief in Nat, and all the hill tribes are Christian.

Ethnic group: 65% Burmese, 10% Shan, 7% Kayin, 18% the others

Language: Burmese and English.

Characteristics: Myanmar people are friendly, honest and hospitable

Culture: Very rich Buddhist culture with splendid pagodas, fine art works and handicrafts

Holiday: National Day: 4 th January – Union Day:12 th February

Shwedagon festival (the largest Paya festival in Myanmar): February / March

Peasants’ Day : 12 February – May Day: 1 st May

Economy: Based on agriculture. Much of the profits are absorbed by the military, which directs all foreign trade in timber, gems, fisheries and oil. Myanmar was admitted to the ASEAN in 1997.

Electricity: Mostly 220 V at 50Hz

Shopping : gems (gold, jade, ruby), cotton blankets, tapestries, Shan’s and Kachine’s shoulder begs, longyi

Telecommunication: International direct dial phone is available in hotels in Rangon, Mandalay, Bagan. . With the small towns, you must ask the national operator to connect you to a specific town operator.

Internet Access: It is possible to log on to the internet in Myanmar in some hotels and cafes but your messages may be checked by the government.

Radio and TV: Radio and TV broadcasts are state controlled. Radio Myanmar broadcasts news in English, Burmese, and eight other languages 3 times a day. TV Myanmar operates from 5 pm to midnight. CNN and Satellite TV are available in hotels.

Tourist highlights:

Shwedagon and Sule Paya: Unique religious sites in Yangon

Bagan: with 800-year-old temples and murals for Myanmar’s golden age.

Mandalay : a rich cultural center surrounded by ancient royal cities.

Picturesque Inle Lake . The lush religion capital of Pa-an.

Money Currency: The Kyat (K). ( pronounced Chat)

Bank notes: K1, K5, K10, K20, K45, K50, K90, K100, K200, K500, K1.000

Tips: tipping is not compulsory but highly appreciated

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