The Land
Myanmar is the traditional name both of the country and of its people. The British called the country “Burma” following colloquial usage.
The Union of Myanmar is geographically situated in Southeast Asia between latitudes 09˚ 32' N and 28˚ 31' N and Longitudes 92˚ 10' E and 101˚ 11' E.
Myanmar, know as Suvana Buhmi (the Golden Earth) in the old days for its fertile land and rich natural resources is the largest country in the South-east Asia Peninsular sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. With a total land area of 676,577 sq. km, it is about the size of Texas and the size of United Kingdom and France combined. It stretches for 936 km from east to west and 2,051 km from north to south. It has a 2,832 km Long coastline on the India Ocean. Over 50 percent of the total Land area is covered with forests.

Climate
Generally, Myanmar has three seasons. From March to May are summer months; the rain falls from May to October and the cold season starts in November and ends in February.
During the rainy season, rainfall varies from 500 cm in coastal region to 75 cm in the central dry zone. Average temperature ranges from 32 C in central and lower areas to 21C in the northern highlands.

The people
Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects. The major races are the Bamar, the Chin, the Kachin, the Shan, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Mon and the Rakhine. The population of Myanmar is estimated at 52.4 million
(July, 2003)

Religion
Although the main religion, Buddhism is practiced by 89.3 percent of the population, there is full freedom of worship for other religions. Christianity is practiced by 5.6 percent, Islam by 3.8 percent, Hinduism by 0.5 percent and Animism by 0.2 percent respectively.

Culture
Myanmar lies on the cross-roads of two of the world’s great civilizations China and India. Its culture is a blend of both interspersed with Myanmar native traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence on daily life of the Myanmar. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmar is known for their simple hospitality and friendliness.

Language
The official language is Myanmar. English is widely spoken and understood.

Flora and Fauna
Myanmar is endowed with a rich diversity of habitat types arising largely from its unusual ecological diversity. It is home to nearly 300 known mammal species, 300 reptiles and about 100 bird species.
The country is also a haven for about 7000 species of plant life. The potential worth of plant species in Myanmar is considerable.

Historical Background
Myanmar history dates 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 and the entire Menam Valley in Thailand and lasted two centuries. The second Myanmar Empire was founded in mid 16th Century by King Bayinnaung. 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 was in 1825, 1852 and 1885. During the Second World War, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 till the return of the Allied Forces in 1945. 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 here independence first though she was the last country occupied by the British in this region.

National Flag

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