Introducing Myanmar

Myanmar is the name which has long been used by its people to describe their homeland which the British called Burma. It is also known as the Golden Land not only for its golden pagodas but for its rich land and the wealth of its agriculture and precious minerals. Geographically, Myanmar is the largest country in South-East Asian Peninsular sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand.

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 incasion 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 soverign independent state on January 4, 1948.

The People

Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects. The major racesare 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.

Language

The official language is Myanmar. English is widely spoken and understood.

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 lives 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.

Climate

Generally, Myanmar has three seasons. The monsoon or rainy season if 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.

Economy

It is a transitional economy moving from 26 years of centrally-planned socialist to market-oriented open economy. Private sector has been encouraged and developed in both domestic and external trade. Foreign investment is allowed in almost all sectors of the economy with generous incentives for investors. Agriculture remains the main sector of the economy and private sector participation is strongly encouraged for rapid and sustainable development. In industry, small and medium enterprises are given priority in agro-based industries.
As an emerging country rich in natural and human resources, Myanmar has enormous potentials for long term economic development.

Time

GMT + 6 ? hours

Electricity

220 volt 50 hz

Passport and Visa

A valid passport with entry visa is required of all visitors. A tourist visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days. A Business visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis. Visa on arrival is granted on prior arrangement.
Overland entry is permitted for Thai tourists with border pass and for third party tourists with visa at Tachilek, Three Pagoda pass, Myawaddy and Kawthaung check points along Myanmar-Thai border ; and for Chinese tourists with border pass and for third party tourists with visa at Lweje, Nam Kham, Muse, Kyukoke, Kwanlong, Mong Lar along Myanmar-China Border.

Customs

Foreign currency above US$ 2000, jewelries, electrical goods and cameras must be declared at the airport. Export of antiques and archaeologically valuable items are prohibited.
Duty free allowance : Two bottles of liquor ; two cartons of cigarettes ; 100 cigars ; 1.5 lb of tobacco ; one point bottle of perfume or eau de cologne.

Health

Vaccinations are not required for a visit to Myanmar, but malaria prophylaxis is recommended and for the travelling to remote areas travellers should check with their doctor regarding the inoculation against typhoid, hepatitis, tetanus.

Currency

Myanmar currency is the Kyat, made up of 100 pyas. Currency notes come in the following denominations : K 1000, K 500, K 200, K 100, K 90, K 50, K 45, K 20, K 15, K 10, K 5, K 1 and Pya 50. Visitors are not allowed to bring in or take out Kyats.

Foreign Exchange

Visitors may bring in any amount of foreign currency but it must be declared to the customs if it exceeds US$ 2000.
Only Foreign Independent Traveller (FITs) are required to exchange US$ 200 FOR Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) on arrival at the airport.
FECs, equivalent to US Dollars, are issued in $20, $10, $5 and $1 denominations. FECs can be purchased with US Dollars or Pounds Sterling either in cash or Travellers Cheques. FECs are accepted by hotels, airlines, travel agencies, taxis, restaurants and as payment of admission fees for museums and pagodas. FECs can be exchanged for kyats at market rates at Authorized Money Changers.
American Express, Visa and Diner Credit Cards are accepted at airlines, major hotels and supermarkets.

Myanmar | Yangon | Bagan | Mandalay | Inle Lake | Other