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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 Wars 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 her independence first though she was the last
country occupied by the British in this region.
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ECONOMY
Since late 1988, Myanmar has replaced the centrally planned economy to
a more liberalized economic policy based on market-oriented system. In moving towards a
more market oriented economy, Myanmar has more liberalized domestic and international
trade, promoting the role of private sector and opening up to foreign investment.
Foreign Investment Law, new Central Bank of Myanmar Law, Financial
Institutions of Myanmar Law, and Myanmar Tourism Law have been enacted and Chambers of
Commerce has been reactivated.
Myanmar is richly endowed with renewable and non-renewable energy
resources which are being exploited by the State sector with the participation of local
and foreign investors.
Agriculture remains the main sector of the economy and measures have
been taken to increase productivity, diversification of crop patterns and revitalization
of agriculture exports.
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GEOGRAPHY
Myanmar has the total area of 676,577 sq. km, it is twice the size of
Vietnam and about the size of United Kingdom and France combined. Geographically, Myanmar
is the largest country in South-East Asia Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh,
India, China, Laos and Thailand.
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MOUNTAINS AND
RIVERS
Myanmar is forest-clad mountainous country. Three parallel chains of
mountain ranges run from north to south: the Western Yoma or Rakhine Yoma, the Bago Yoma
and the Shan Plateau. They begin from the eastern extremity of the Himalaya mountain
range. The peak of the Hkakabo-Razi at 5,881 meters (18,000 feet) is the highest in
South-East Asia. These mountain chains divide the country into three river systems: the
Ayeyarwaddy, the Sittaung and the Thanlwin. The Ayeyarwaddy , the most important river,
about 2,170 km (1350 miles) long, and its major tributary, the Chindwinn, 960 km (600
miles) long, constitute the greatest rivering system in the country. As it joins the sea,
the Ayeyarwaddy forms a vast delta of 240 km (150 miles) by 210 km (130 miles). According
to these mountain chains and river systems, the country can be divided into seven major
topographic regions : the Northern Hills, the Western Hills, the Shan plateau, the Central
Belt, the Lower Myanmar Delta, the Rakhine Coastal Region and Tanintharyi Coastal Strip.
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CLIMATE
Myanmar has the effects of the Monsoon in different parts of the
country. Temperature varies from 38°C to 19°C; humidity from 82.8% to 66%. The ideal
time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season. However, rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay
is very low, even in the rainy season.
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SEASONS
Myanmar has three distinctive seasons; namely, hot (March to May with
average temperatures 30-35°C), rainy (June to October with average temperatures 25-30°C)
and cool (November to February with average temperatures 20-24°C).
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PEOPLE
Myanmar is a union of many nationalities; speaking over one hundred
languages and dialects. The term Myanmar embraces all nationalities. The major races are
the Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. There are seven States and
seven Divisions in Myanmar.
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POPULATION
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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LANGUAGE
Myanmar is the lingua franca. English is widely understood in cities
like Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, etc., Cantonese, Flukiness and Mandarin can also be used in
the business circles here.
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RELIGION
Over 80 % of Myanmar are Buddhists. There are also Christians, Muslims,
Hindus and even some animists. However there is full freedom of worship for followers of
other religions. Christian missionaries have been active in Myanmar for over 150 years.
Among them, the American Baptists were first on the scene.
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CULTURE
Myanmar lies on the crossroads 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 Myanmars. The people have preserved the tradition of close family ties, respect for
the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmars are known for their
simple hospitality and friendliness.
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NATIONAL FLAG
The dominating color of the national flag is red. The rectangular space
at the upper left corner is blue. In it could be seen the figure of a paddy stalk and a
pinion encircled by 14 white stars of uniform size. The paddy represents the peasants
while the pinion stands for the workers who form the majority of the people in the
country, 14 uniform white stars symbolize the equal status and union spirit of the 7
States and 7 Divisions that constitute the Union of Myanmar.
The white in the flag signifies purity; the red indicates bravery and
upright nature of the people; and the blue stands as a symbol of peace and stability in
the country.
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LOCAL TIME IN
MYANMAR
Myanmar Time is 6:30 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. For example on
a Monday at midnight in Yangon, it will be:
New York (Eastern Standard) 1230 hours on Monday
London (GMT) 1730 hours on Monday
Bangkok 0030 hours on Tuesda
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CURRENCY
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.
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ELECTRICITY
The voltage throughout Myanmar is 220-230 Volts AC. Most of the
international class hotels in Yangon have their own generators. However in other places,
voltage varies greatly and power often goes out. Valuable or sensitive electronic
equipment like stereos and computer should be protected with the appropriate electronic
protection equipment.
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WATER
Drink only bottled or boiled water.
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SHOPPING
Bargaining is an art long practiced in Asian countries including
Myanmar. So feel free to ask for a proper discount when shopping in places where prices
are not marked. Be careful in dealing with sidewalk vendors who may not offer genuine
goods at fair prices. Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly pure hand-made, are best souvenirs
and prices are very reasonable. Lacquer ware, wood and ivory carvings, tapestries,
silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabrics and shoulder bags are some of the favorite
items. For jewelry, there are Myanmar Rubies, Sapphire, Jade and Pearl available at
Myanmar Gems Shops. You should only buy from licensed Government shop.
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DRESS
Light causal wears for all year round. A cardigan or light sweater for
the cool season especially when visiting upper Myanmar, like Mandalay or Bagan. An
umbrella will be useful during the rainy season. Sandals or slippers are convenient as all
footwears must be taken off when entering the precincts of pagodas and monasteries.
Visitors should not wear shorts or briefs when visiting pagodas and monasteries.
Hats and sunglass are recommended, and an umbrella for the rainy season
is a must. Rainy season days often start out sunny but outbursts of rain can be heavy,
even if short and frequent.
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BUSINESS HOURS
Government Offices & private and foreign company: 09:30-16:30 hrs
Banks: 10:00-14:00 hrs
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COMMUNICATION
It is now quite easy to make international direct phone calls and to
send faxes, email to worldwide.
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MEDIA
Radio Myanmar
Radio Myanmar is on the air in English from 8:30 hours to 9:00 hours in the
morning, 13:30 hours to 14:00 hours in the afternoon and 21:00 hours to 22:30 hours in the
evening.
TV Myanmar & Myawaddy TV
TV Myanmar & Myawaddy TV with NTSC system, T V programmes start from 17:00
hours to mid-night and Satellite News at 20:45 hours in the evening. On every Saturday and
Sunday, T V Myanmar starts from 08:30 hours to 09:30 hours. In the afternoon from 12:00
hours to 14:30 hours.
Newspapers
The New Light of Myanmar and Asia Times are the newspapers in English. Four
newspaper in Myanmar – Myanmar Alin, Kyemon (The mirror), Myodaw (evening tabloid),
and Yadanabon.
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TRAVELING
WITHIN MYANMAR
The quickest and most comfortable mode of domestic travel is by Air
Mandalay which is truly first-class regional air carrier flying the latest in ATR –
72 turbo – prop aircraft. A second international class airline, Yangon Airways is
also operating ATR – 72 aircraft. Myanmar Airways operate Fokker aircraft through the
country .
Trains, ferry boats and buses are all available for those who want to
experience local transportation and meet Myanmar people as they travel.
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HEALTH ISSUES
While no immunizations are formally required, malaria prophylaxis is
often recommended by traveler's personal physicians. Occasionally, typhoid, hepatitis,
tetanus and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are also recommended.
It is suggested that only bottled or boiled water be drunk. hotels all
supply bottled water as well as a good selection of Asian and Western foods. It is better
not to purchase food from street vendors to eat local food, choose only large, clean and
busy restaurants.
Insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites is particularly recommended,
especially if you are traveling outside Yangon.
There are now at least two good international standard medical centers
clinics in Yangon. It is strongly recommended that you take out health insurance before
traveling to Myanmar.
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FOOD
Myanmar food is a cross between Chinese and Indian – with
traditional Myanmar curries and soups being the local favorites. Visitors will more
commonly be offered Chinese cuisine because it is better suited to the Western palate.
However, you can choose Myanmar specialties from menus at international hotels and local
restaurants.
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VISA REQUIREMENTS
A tourist visa for Myanmar can be obtained from any Myanmar Embassy or
Consulate world- wide. Visas are valid for 28 days can be issued the same day (sometimes
within 20 minutes) they are applied for.
Two types of visa are available –the "FIT visa" and the
"Package Tour Visa". An "FIT visa" requires the holder to purchase
$300 worth of Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) upon arrival. Within Myanmar, FEC are
interchangeable with US Dollars (FEC1=US$1) but they cannot be changed back into US
Dollars at the end of your stay. If traveling on a " Package Tour Visa " no such
FEC purchase is required.
If you have pre-booked your holiday to Myanmar through a tour Operator,
a letter can be obtained from a local agent in Myanmar confirming to the relevant Myanmar
Embassy that a " Package Tour Visa" should be issued.
There are Myanmar Embassies in the following countries.
• Australia, Canberra
• Bangladesh, Dhaka
• Brazil
• Brunei Darussalam
• Canada, Ottawa
• Cambodia, Phnom Penh
• People's Republic of China, Beijing, Hong Kong, Yunnan ( Kunming )
• Egypt, Cairo
• France, Paris
• Germany, Bonn
• India, New Delhi
• Indonesia, Jakarta
• Israel, Tel Aviv
• Italy, Rome
• Japan, Tokyo
• South Korea, Seoul
• Laos, Vientiane
• Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
• Nepal, Katmandu
• Pakistan, Islamabad
• Philippines, Manila
• Russian Federation, Moscow
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka, Colombo
• Switzerland, Geneva
• South Africa, Pretoria
• Thailand, Bangkok
• United Kingdom, London
• United States of America Washington DC and New York
• Vietnam, Hanoi
• Yugoslavia, Belgrade
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AIRPORT
DEPARTURE TAX
As is the case at most international airports, there is a departure
tax. In Yangon, US$ 10 per person is payable, in either US $ or FEC, for departures on
international flights. There are currently no airport taxes for domestic flights.
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