About Myanmar!

Historical Background

Myanmar formerly known as "Burma" has been existence for centuries. Naturally, she has been going through ups and downs of time along the course of her existence. Under the leadership of the national heroes, however the country was usually opulent and peaceful.

For example, Myanmar was organized as a strong union in the early 11th century (i.e-Bagan Period) by king Asawrahta. It is generally referred to as the first Union of Myanmar. Also in the middle of the 16th Century. King Bayintnaung established the second Union of Myanmar that used to be one of the mightiest countries in Asia then. Myanmar was thirdly unified in 1752 by King Alaungphaya, the founder of the last dynasty of Myanmar. She was occupied by British in 1885 and gained Independent in 1948.

Geographical Background

Location

The union of Myanmar formerly known as "Burma" is located at the northwestern part of mainland South East Asia. It is located between 9o 32' and 28o31 north latitudes and 92 o 10' and 101 o 11' east longitudes. The neighbouring countries are Bangladesh in the west, India in the northwest, China in the north and northeast, Laos in the east, Thailand in the southeast, Katpali (Andaman Sea) in the south and Gulf of Mottama (Gulf of Martaban) in the south and the Bay of Bengal in the southwest

Size

Union of Myanmar is the largest country on the mainland South East Asia. Its totally land area is 676,577 sq km (261228 sq miles). From north to south 2099 km (1275 miles) long and from east to west its widest is 925 km (582 miles). As it faces Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Bengal, Gulf of Mottama and Andaman seas, it has 2832 km (1385 miles) long coastline consisting of Rakhine (Arakan) coastline (443 miles), Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawady) Delta coastline (272 miles) and Tanintharyi (Tennaserim) coastline (670 miles). Myanmar has (3908 miles) of international land boundary (1034 miles) with Thailand, (146 miles) with Laos, (1384 miles) with People's Republic of China, (903 miles) with India (Assam) and (169 miles) with Bangladesh.

Topography

Myanmar is a "River State" based upon the Ayeyarwaddy-Chindwin-Sittaung Valley which is almost enriched with mountain ranges and highlands except in the south, where it opens towards the Katpali Sea. Physiographically Myanmar is divided into 4 major divisions namely (a) the Rakhine Coastal area in the west, (b) the western mountain ranges (Indo-Burmese ranges), (c) the central lowland and (d) the Eastern highlands. The mountains are higher in the north reaching over 10,000 ft and lower in south with an average elevation of 3,000 ft. Among the peaks, Saramanti (12553 ft) in Naga hills (Sagaing Division), Mount Kennedy (887 ft) and Victoria (10018 ft) in Chin hills and Sun Taung (over 6000 ft) near the border of Chin State are well known. Eastern Kachin mountains with average elevation over 10000 ft are the highest mountain in Myanmar with well-known highest peack of Hkakaborazi (19296 ft) and the second highest Ganlang-Razi (19142 ft). These mountains are also known as "Burma Icy mouth" (Kingdom ward) where highest rare flora and fauna can be found. Ayeyarwaddy is navigable right up to Myitkyina (about 95 miles from its mouth) about 28.5 miles north of Myitkyina is the famous confluence of Maikha and Malikha (2 head-waters of the Ayeyarwaddy). Apart from these main river systems, there are minor river systems in Rakhine State, Tanintharyi Division. Among them, Mayu, (Kaladan) Gitsapanadi, Laymyo (Lemro) in the northern Rakhine State and Dawei, Tanintharyi and Pachan Rivers in Tanintharyi Division are sizable and important.

Climate

As Myanmar lies mostly in the tropical region, its climate is said to be monsoon with three distinct seasons namely the Hot Season (Summer) from mid-February to Mid-May, the Rainy Season from mid-May to mid-October and the Cool season (Winter) from mid-October to mid-February. Annually rainfall receives from 500 cm in the coastal regions to 75 cm and less in the dry zone. Much of the total rainfall receives from southwest Monsoon and Bay of Bengal cyclone during the southwest monsoon. Average annual temperature range 21o C in the northern lowland to 31o C in coastal delta area. During the Cool Season the snow line in the northern mountain regions reaches below 10000 ft. Fortunately, Myanmar has no extremes of climate nor less natural hazards such as disastrous flood, bush fires and several earthquakes. Myanmar proudly has Tourist Friendly climate.

Flora and Fauna

Depending upon its location, altitude, climate, soil and geology, most of the natural vegetarian of Myanmar is forested and hence 51 % of the country is covered with various types of forest with very few grass lands. Myanmar natural vegetation can be classified into 8 main types ; Tidal Forest, Coastal Beach and Dune Forest, Swamp Forest, Tropical Evergeen Forest, Tropical mixed deciduous forest, Dry Forest, Indaing Forest and Mountain Forest. Most of the trees are hardwood and among them, teak is the most valuable and well-known. Other famous hardwood are Pyinkadoe, Padauk, Ingyin, Thitya etc.. Various species of bamboo and cane are also grown in these forests. Most of the mixed deciduous forests have been established as Reserved Forests. Various species of animals are found in those forests. About 1000 species of birds, over 300 species of mammals and 400 species of reptiles have been recorded.

Evolution

There are 135 indigenous races living in various parts of Myanmar. Mainly, Myanmar nationals belong to Mongoloids and become Tibeto-Burman. According to recent pareontological exploration, Pondaung Primates were found to be 40 million years age in Myanmar and Myanmar has been inhabited by ancient Myanmar since last 200,000 years.

Cultural

Myanmar proudly owns unique culture in Southeast Asia. However influence of both Indian and Chinese Cultures could be seen in Myanmar culture since the country is located between India and China.

Economy

Since 1988, Myanmar has moved from a centrally planned economy to a market oriented economy and has liberalized domestic and external trade, promoted the development of the private sector and thus opened up to foreign investments. Agriculture remains the main sector of economy and Myanmar is also rich in tourist attractions and there is enormous potential for the tourism industry.