HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Myanmar boasts a diverse history that spans millennia, shaped by powerful kingdoms, cultural exchanges, and colonial domination. Myanmar's early history dates back to the emergence of the Pyu city-states in the 1st millennium BC. These city-states, situated in central Myanmar, engaged in vibrant trade with neighboring India and China, fostering a rich cultural exchange that included the adoption of Buddhism. By the 9th century, the Kingdom of Bagan had risen to prominence along the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Known for its vast temples and pagodas, Bagan became a center of Theravada Buddhism and a hub of artistic and architectural achievement in Southeast Asia. In the 16th century, the Toungoo Dynasty unified Myanmar, establishing a powerful empire that expanded its influence across the region. By the 19 century, Myanmar gradually came under British control, becoming a province of British India after the Third Anglo-Burmese War in 1885. The early 20th century saw the rise of nationalist movements in Myanmar, fueled by resentment towards British rule and inspired by global movements for self-determination. Myanmar achieved independence on January 4, 1948, following negotiations with the British, marking the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new era in Myanmar's history.
GEOGRAPHY
Myanmar, a republic in South-East Asia, bounded on the north by Tibet Autonomous Region of China; on the east by China, Laos, and Thailand; on the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal; and on the west by the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, and India. It is officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The coastal region is known as Lower Myanmar, while the interior region is known as Upper Myanmar. The total area of the country is 676,552 square km (261,218 square miles).
A horseshoe-shaped mountain complex and the valley of the Ayarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River system are the dominant topographical features of Myanmar. The mountains of the northern margin rise to 5881 meters (19,296 ft) atop Hkakabo Razi, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. The two other mountain systems have northern to southern axes. The Arakan Yoma range, with peaks reaching more than 2740 meters (about 9000 ft), forms a barrier between Myanmar and the subcontinent of India. The Bilauktaung range, the southern extension of the Shan Plateau, lies along the boundary between southwestern Thailand and southeastern Lower Myanmar. The Shan Plateau, originating in China, has an average elevation of about 910 meters (about 3000 ft).
Generally narrow and elongated in the interior, the central lowlands attain a width of about 320km (about 200 miles) across the Ayarwaddy-Sittaung delta. The delta plains, extremely fertile and economically the most important section of the country, cover an area of about 46,620 sq. km (18,000 sq. ml.). Both the Arakan (in the northwest) and the Tenasserim (in the southwest) coasts of Myanmar are rocky and fringed with islands. The country has a number of excellent natural harbours.
CLIMATE
Myanmar is an all year round destination. Hilly regions in the north and northeast enjoy cool temperate weather. Rainfall is also very low in central regions the rainy season.
POPULATION
The Republic of the Union of Myanmar has a population of 51 million. The major racial groups are Bamar, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. The people are called Myanmar.
RELIGION
Over 80 percent of Myanmar embraces are Theravada Buddhism. There are Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists.
LANGUAGE
Predominantly Myanmar (Bamar) and ethnic minorities speaking Chin, Kachin, Kayin, Shan and other 135 hill-tribe dialects and also Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindustani, Urdu spoken Chinese and Indian Immigrants. Being once a British colony, English is also widely spoken.
CULTURE
Myanmar lies on the crossroad of two of the world’s great civilizations – China and India – but its culture is neither that of India nor that of China exclusively, but a blend of both interspersed with Myanmar native traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence on daily life of Myanmar. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmars are contented and cheerful even in the face of adversities and known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.
