An Introduction to Myanmar

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Official Name: Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Capital City: Nay PyiDaw

Main Business Center: Yangon

Flag: New since October 2010. Yellow signifies solidarity, green is for peace and red for courage and determination. The white star stands for the Union

Currency: “Kyats” USD$ 1.00 = approx. 1,000 kyats

Population: 51 million people

Yangon Pop’n: 5 million people

Ethnic Groups: Burman 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, Others 5%

Religion: Buddhist 89%, Christian 4%, Muslim 4%, Animist 1%, Other 2%

Land Area: 677,000 square kms
(261,391 square miles)
Largest country in southeast Asia

Zone: GMT + 6hrs 30 mins
(Bangkok –30mins, Singapore–1hr 30 mins)

Climate: The northern regions of Myanmar are the coolest, with average temperatures of 21 C (70°F). Coastal and delta regions have an average maximum temperature of 32°C (89.6°F).

There are 3 distinct seasons;

1. Hot Season: March to May (average in Yangon City 32 C or 90 F)

2. Rainy Season: June to October (average in Yangon City 26.6 C or 80 F)

3. Cool Season: November to February (average in Yangon City 18 C or 65 F)

Much of the country lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. Myanmar lies in the monsoon region of Asia, with its coastal regions receiving over 5,000mm (196.9 inches) of rain annually. Annual rainfall in the delta region is approximately 2,500mm (98.4 inches), while average annual rainfall in the Dry Zone, which is located in central Burma, is less than 1,000mm (39.4 in)..[297]

Natural Resources: Petroleum, timber, tin, precious stones, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, natural gas and hydropower

Imports: Fabric, petroleum products, plastics, machinery, construction materials, crude oil, food

Exports: Clothing, gas, wood products, pulses, beans, fish / seafood, rice

An Introduction to Myanmar