 Myanmar history dated back to the early 11th century when King Anawrahta unified the country and founded the First Myanmar Empire in Bagan more than 20 years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Bagan Empire encompassed the areas of the present-day. Myanmar King Bayinnaung founded the Second Myanmar Empire in mid 16th century. King Alaungpaya founded the last Myanmar Dynasty in 1752 and it was during the zenith of this Empire that the British moved into Myanmar. Like India, Myanmar became a British colony but only after three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in 1825, 1852 and 1885. During the Second World War, the Japanese from 1942 till the return of the Allied Forces in 1945 occupied Myanmar. Myanmar has become a sovereign independent state since 4th January 1948 after 62 years under the colonial administration. It is remarkable to note that Myanmar is the country that regained her independence first though she was the last country occupied by the British in this region.
THE LAND OF MYANMAR
Myanmar is a country of indigenous races living along the mountain ranges, which spread down from the northern part of Myanmar to southern delta coast to the west of Indian ocean. There are about 135 indigenous races known as ethnic tribes living around Myanmar.The main national races are Rakhine in the southwest, Chin in the west, Kachin in the north. Shan in the east, Kayar in the southeast and Kayin, Mon and Dawae from the southeast of Myanmar to southern coastline, known as Tenesserim cost, faces to the Andaman Sea.Myanmar is not only rich with natural resources but with cultural values still exist. In the middle of the country, Mrauk U, Srikhistra, Bagan, Mandalay, are the main places for evidence on Culture and Civilization, with many traditional values known among the visitors from all over the world.
ECONOMY
Since late 1988, Myanmar has replaced the centrally planned economy to a more liberalized economic policy based on market-oriented system. In moving towards a more market oriented economy, Myanmar has more liberalized domestic and international trade, promoting the role of private sector and opening up to foreign investment.Foreign Investment Law, new Central Bank of Myanmar Law, Financial Institutions of Myanmar Law, and Myanmar Tourism Law have been enacted and Chambers of Commerce has been reactivated.
Myanmar is richly endowed with renewable and non-renewable energy resources, which are being exploited by the State sector with the participation of local and foreign investors.Agriculture remains the main sector of the economy and measures have been taken to increase productivity, diversification of crop patterns and revitalization of agriculture exports.
GEOGRAPHY
Myanmar has the total area of 676,577 sq. km, it is twice the size of Vietnam and about the size of United Kingdom and France combined. Geographically, Myanmar is the largest country in South-East Asia Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand.
MOUNTAINS AND RIVERS
Myanmar is forest-clad mountainous country. Three parallel chains of mountain ranges run from north to south: the Western Yoma or Rakhine Yoma, the Bago Yoma and the Shan Plateau. They begin from the eastern extremity of the Himalaya mountain range. The peak of the Hkakabo-Razi at 5,881 meters (18,000 feet) is the highest in South-East Asia. These mountain chains divide the country into three river systems: the Ayeyarwady, the Sittaung and the Thanlwin. The Ayeyarwady, the most important river, about 2,170 km (1350 miles) long, and its major tributary, the Chindwins, 960 km (600 miles) long, constitute the greatest rivering system in the country. As it joins the sea, the Ayeyarwady forms a vast delta of 240 km (150 miles) by 210 km (130 miles).
CLIMATE
Myanmar has the effects of the Monsoon in different parts of the country. Temperature varies. It is suggested that only bottled or boiled water be drunk. Hotels all supply bottled water as well as a good selection of Asian and Western foods. It is better not to purchase food from street vendors to eat local food, choose only large, clean and busy restaurants.
FOOD
Myanmar food is a cross between Chinese and Indian - with traditional Myanmar curries and soups being the local favorites with Indian spices. Visitors will more commonly be offered Chinese cuisine because it is better suited to the Western palate. However, you can choose Myanmar specialties from menus at international hotels and local restaurants.
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