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Capital Yangon (moving to Pyinmana by April 2006)
16°46? N 96°09? E Largest city Yangon (Rangoon) Official language(s) Burmese language From the United Kingdom
January 4, 1948 Area
• Total
• Water (%)
54 million (29th)
n/a
62/km˛ (n/a)
{{{population_densitymi˛}}}/mi˛ n/a estimate
n/a (60th)
$1 (n/a) 0.578 (129th) – medium Currency Time zone
• Summer (DST) (UTC+6:30)
(UTC+6:30) Internet TLD .mm (formerly .bu) Calling code +95 |
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Myanmar Information
Main article: History of Myanmar
In a series of wars (Burma 1st Division, the Karen Rifles and in other formations such as the American-Kachin Rangers fought for the Allies, and the Burmese National Army under the command of Aung San fought for the Japanese.
 A British 1825 lithography of Shwedagon Pagoda
A British 1825 lithography of Shwedagon Pagoda
On January 4, 1948 at 04:20am, the nation became sovereign, as the Union of Burma, with U Nu as the first Prime Minister. Democratic rule ended in 1962 with a military coup d'état led by General Ne Win. Ne Win ruled for nearly 26 years, bringing in harsh reforms. In 1990 free elections were held for the first time in almost 30 years, but the landslide victory of the NLD, the party of Aung San Suu Kyi was voided by the military, which refused to step down.
One of the top figures in Burmese history in the 20th century is Army founder and freedom figure General Aung San, a student-turned activist whose daughter is 1991 Nobel Peace Laureate and worldwide peace, freedom and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi of the NLD, now under house arrest. The third most recognised Burmese figure in the world is U Thant, who was UN Secretary General for two terms and highly respected throughout United Nations' history.
In Yangon to Pyinmana.
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Main article: Economy of Myanmar
 The Sakura Tower in Yangon is virtually vacant due to lack of major foreign investment
The Sakura Tower in Yangon is virtually vacant due to lack of major foreign investment
During British colonisation, Myanmar was the wealthiest country in Southeast Asia and was believed to be on the fast track to development. Today, it is one of the poorest nations in the world, suffering from the 1962 military takeover and India have attempted to strengthen ties with the government in recent years. The gap between the wealthy and the poor continues to grow larger.
Some nations, such as Thailand.
Myanmar lacks adequate infrastructure, and has suffered as a result. Goods travel primarily through the Burmese-Thai borders, from which most illegal drugs are exported, and through the Ayeyarwady River. Railroads are rudimentary, with few repairs since their construction in the 19th century. Highways are normally unpaved, except in the major cities. Energy shortages are common throughout the country. Myanmar is the second-largest producer of heroin in the world. Other industries include agricultural goods, textiles, wood products, construction materials, and metals. The lack of an educated workforce also contributes to the growing problems of the Burmese economy.
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Main article: Culture of Myanmar
 An ear-piercing ceremony in Mandalay
An ear-piercing ceremony in Mandalay
Although a variety of indigenous cultures exist in Myanmar, the dominant culture is Bamar-based. Bamar culture has been influenced by the cultures of neighbouring China, India, and Thailand. This is reflected in aspects of its language, cuisine, and music. The arts (particularly literature) have historically been influenced by the Burmese form of Theravada Buddhism. British colonisation also introduced Western elements of culture to Myanmar, particularly in education and architecture.
Burmese, which is linguistically related to Mon script.
See also:
Cuisine of Myanmar
Literature of Myanmar
Music of Myanmar
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GDP per capita — 185th of 232 countries
Index of Economic Freedom — 155th of 157 countries
Reporters Without Borders Worldwide Press Freedom Index — 165th of 167 countries
Corruption Perceptions Index 2004, Transparency International — 142th of 146 countries
Save the Children: State of the World's Mothers 2004 Children's index: 114th of 157 countries
Environmental Sustainability Index — 46th of 146 countries
Population, Population (US Census Bureau), 26th most-populated country in the world.
Area/Size of Country, 39th largest out of 194.
WHO ranking of the health systems, 190 out of 190 countries.
Earthquake Prone Countries, Listed in 57 most-earthquake prone countries.
HIV Infected Population, 24th largest among 148 countries.
Labor Force, 22nd largest in the world.
Inflation Rate - Consumer Prices, 3rd highest in the world.
Opium Production (UNODC), 2nd largest in the world.
Human Development Index (UNDP), 131 out of 175.
Internet User Density (CIA), 0.0596%, 155th out of 217.
Rice grower (by area of land), 8th largest in the world.
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