Myanmar in Brief

Myanmar, or Burma, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia. It lies on the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea coast with Bangladesh and India to the west, China to the north, and Laos and Thailand to the east. 

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, recognized by the world as the Golden Land. It  lies along the eastern coasts of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in southeast Asia. The country covers an area of 677,000 square kilometers (261,228 square miles) ranging 936 kilometers (581 miles) from east to west and 2,051 kilometers (1,275 miles) from north to south, It is a land of hills and valleys and is rimmed in the north, east and west by mountain ranges forming a giant horseshoe. Enclosed within the mountain barriers are the flat lands of Ayeyarwaddy, Chindwin and Sittaung River valleys where most of the country's agricultural land and population are concentrated.

 

Myanmar mainly enjoys a tropical climate with three seasons, namely; the Hot Season, the Rainy Season and the Cold Season. Average temperature ranges from 32'C in central and lower areas to 21'C in northern highlands. 

Population:

The Union of Myanmar has a population of over 55.4 million (2005-06) 60 million (2012-2013). Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups but the major races are Kachin, Kayah, Karan, Chin, Mon, Bamar, Rakhine and Shan. 

Religion:

80 percent of Myanmar embraces Buddhism. The rest practice Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and animism.

Culture:

Myanmar lies on the cross-road of two of the world's great civilizations China and India - but it 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 greatly influence on the daily lives of Myanmar. The people have preserved the tradition of close family ties, respect for elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmar are contended and cheerful even in the face of adversities and known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.

Clothing:

Light, casual wear, preferably cotton is suitable all year round. Cardigans of light jerkin, when visiting northern Myanmar in the cold season and an umbrella during the rainy season are suggested. Sandals or slippers are convenient, as the dress code for pagodas and monasteries prescribe decent apparel and no footwear (i.e removal of shoes and socks).

Language:

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

source: Embassy of the Union of Myanmar - Islamabad