Myanmar has a largely tropical climate with three seasons: the monsoon or rainy season, from May to October; the cool season, from November to February; and the hot season, generally from March to April. Rainfall during the monsoon season totals more than 500 cm (200 in) in upper Myanmar and over 250 cm (100 in) in lower Myanmar and Yangon (formerly Rangoon). Central Myanmar, called the dry zone, and Mandalay, the chief city in the area, each receive about 76 cm (30 in). The mean annual temperature is 27°C (81°F); average daily temperatures in Yangon (Rangoon) range from 18° to 32°C (64–90°F) in January, during the cool season, and from 24° to 36°C (75–97°F) in April, during the hot season. The climate in upper Myanmar, particularly at altitudes ranging from about 300 to 1,220 m (1,000–4,000 ft), is the most temperate throughout the year, while lower Myanmar, especially in the delta and coastal regions, is the most humid.
Myanmar currency is known as " Kyat " which comprises 100 pyas.
Notes : Kyats 1000, Kyats 500, Kyats 200, Kyats 100, Kyats 90, Kyats 50, Kyats 45, Kyats 20, Kyats 15, Kyats 10, Kyats 5, Kyat 1.
Coins : Kyats 100, Kyats 50, Kyats 10, Kyats 5, Kyat 1, Pya 50, Pya 25, Pya 10, Pya 5, Pya 1.
Visitors can change their dollars into FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificate which is equal to US Dollars), and then can change their FEC legally into Kyat at the real market rate at licensed money changer shops.
Travelers checks are NOT normally accepted and are difficult to transact. Travelers are advised to bring US Dollars in cash (small denomination notes). British Pounds, French Frances, German Deutsh Marks and other currencies are difficult to change. Bring US Dollars cash. Major hotels and a few restaurants will accept credit cards.
Located between Bangladesh and Thailand, with India and China to the north, Myanmar covers an area of about 675,000 sq km (over 260,000 sq mi). The capital and largest city is Yangon, an important trade center is Mandalay located in central Myanmar.
The country itself is divided into two classifications, Lower Myanmar and Upper Myanmar. Lower Myanmar is comprised of coastal areas with thick tropical forests that have valuable trees in them (teak forests, oil-bearing and timber trees) with Upper Myanmar making up the interior parts of the country.
A major topographical feature of Myanmar is the Irrawaddy River system. Since its deltaic plains are very fertile, it is considered to be the most important part of the country covering about 18,000 sq mi (47,000 sq km). Hkakabo Razi, the highest peak in Southeast Asia at 19,295 ft (5,881 m), is located in Myanmar. A barrier between India and Myanmar, the Arakan Yoma range has peaks that range between 915 m (3,000 ft) and 1,525 m (5,000 ft).
Almost half of Myanmar is covered in forests that are comprised of teak, rubber, cinchona, acacia, bamboo, ironwood, mangrove, coconut, betel palm with northern highlands comprised of oak, pine and many varieties of rhododendron. There are many tropical fruits to be found as well, citrus, bananas, mangoes, and guavas in the coastal region.
Myanmar has a long and complex history. Many peoples have lived in the region and the history began.
The first identifiable civilization is that of the Mon. The Mon probably began migrating into the area in about 300 BC, and their first kingdom Suwarnabhumi, was founded around the port of Thaton in about 300 BC. The Pyu arrived in Myanmar in the 7th century and established city kingdoms at Binnaka, Mongamo, Sri Ksetra, and Halingyi. During this period, Myanmar was part of an overland trade route from China to India. By 849, the Burmans had founded a powerful kingdom centered on the city of Bagan and filled the void left by the Pyu. The kingdom grew in relative isolation until the reign of Anawrahta (1044 - 77) who successfully unified all of Myanmar by defeating the Mon city of Thaton in 1057.
After the collapse of Bagan authority, Myanmar was divided once again. The Burmans had restablished themselves at the city of Ava by 1364, where Bagan culture was revived and a great age of Burmese literature ensued. The kingdom lacked easily defendable borders, however, and was overrun by the Shan in 1527. Surviors of the destruction of Inwa eventually established a new kingdom centered on Taungoo in 1531 led by Tabinshwehti (reigned 1531-50), who once again unified most of Myanmar. A popular Burmese leader named Alaungpaya drove the Bago forces out of northern Myanmar by 1753, and by 1759 he had once again conquered Pegu and southern Myanmar while also regaining control of Manipur. He established his capital at Rangoon, now known as Yangon.
Myanmar was known to the West ever since western explorers had heard of it. Marko Polo was the earliest known westerner who discovered Myanmar and introduced to the West.
4 Jan Independence Day.
12 Feb Union Day.
2 Mar Peasants' Day.
27 Mar Armed Forces Day.
Mar* Full Moon of Tabaung.
Apr* Maha Thingyan (Water Festival).
Apr* Myanmar New Year.
Apr* Full Moon of Kasone.
1 May May Day.
19 Jul Martyr's Day.
Jul* Full Moon of Waso (Beginning of Buddhist Lent).
Oct* Full Moon of Thadingyut (End of Buddhist Lent).
Nov* Tazaungmon Full Moon Day.
Nov* National Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
* Dates to be confirmed.
Note
Buddhist holidays are determined according to lunar sightings, and dates given here are approximations only. Other festivals celebrated by minorities include the Islamic observance of Bakri Idd in late November; Christmas and Easter; and the Karen New Year in early January. For further information, contact the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
The population of Myanmar in 1996-97 is 47.3 Millions. According to the 1995-96 national census with 80% Myanmars and ethnic minority groups consisting of the Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Bamar, Rakhine, Shan and hill-tribes making up the rest of the population. The overall population density was 64 persons per sq. km (166 per sq. mi.), one of the lowest in the Far East. The population is more than 75 percent rural; most of the urban areas are actually agricultural villages.
The population of Myanmar is at present over 42,642,000. The average household size is estimated at 3 or 4 people. As regards education in Myanmar (according to the figure of 1993), the literacy rate stood at 81%. Yangon is the capital of Myanmar and has a population of nearly 5 million. Other cities with a large population are Mandalay, Mawlamyaing, Bago and Pathein.
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