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The land was
also known as Suvannabhumi, “Golden Land” in ancient times, and today,
with its rich natural resources and diversity of attractions, it still
deserves to be called the Golden Land. The largest country in southeast
asian peninsula, bordering Bangladesh, China, India, Laos and Thailand,
Myanmar’s culture is found to be excessively rich, which Myanmars are very
proud of.
Historical Background
Early civilization in Myanmar dates back to the 1st century with
archaeological evidences of the Pyu kingdoms of Thayekhittaya (Sriksetra),
Beikthano (Visnu) and Hanlin.Myanmar entered a period of greatness in the early 11th century
when king Anawrahta unified the country and created the first
Myanmar Empire with its capital in Bagan. The Empire, which
lasted until the end of the 13th century, produced a glorious
civilization whose monuments still endure. The second Myanmar
Empire with its capital in Bago was created in the middle of the
16th century by King Bayinnaung. The third and last Myanmar
Empire was founded by King Alaungpaya in 1752 and had a number
of capitals, the last being Mandalay. In the later years of the
Empire, Myanmar was annexed by the British in three stages, in
1825, 1852, 1885 and became a British colony. Myanmar was
occupied by Japanese during World War II, and in the postwar
period the independence movement, which had begun in the early
20th century, came to a climax and Myanmar attained independence
on 4 January 1948.
Area
677,000 square kilometers (261,228 square miles) ranging 936
kilometers (581 miles) from east to west and 2,051 kolimeters
(1,275 miles) from north to south. The world’s 40th largest
country.
The People
Myanmar is a Union of over 135 ethnic groups with the name
Myanmar embracing all the ethnic groups. The major ethnic groups
are Myanmar, Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan.
Religion
Myanmar is the largest group forming 69% of the total
population. A majority (89%) of the population are Buddhist and
the rest are Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some Animists.
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, devotion to Buddhist teachings and wearing
the simple native dress. They are a people easily contented and
cheerful in the face of adversity. Myanmar people are known for
their friendliness and simple hospitality. The wealth of natural
resources may be impressive but the great fascination of Myanmar
lies in its people.
Language
The official language is Myanmar and it is spoken by at least
80% of the population. The spoken Myanmar language differs
slightly from region to region and the minority ethnic groups
have their own languages and dialects. English is spoken by many
and is widely understood.
Climate
Tropical, with average temperature of 30-35°C in summer
(Mar-May), and 20-24°C in winter (Nov-Feb).
Time Zone
GMT + 6:30
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