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| Myanmar - Burma Information |
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Historical Background
The first known people to live in what is now Myanmar (formerly called Burma) were the Mon. They shared a culture with the Khmer, a people who lived in what is now Cambodia. The Mon moved into the Myanmar region as early as 3000 B.C. and settled near the mouths of the Thanlwin and Sittaung rivers. The peoples who came later migrated from an area in central Asia that is now southwestern China. The Pyu arrived in the A.D. 600's. The Bamars, Chin, Kachin, Karen, and Shan came during the 800's. Most of these peoples lived apart from one another and kept their own cultures.
In 1044, King Anawrahta, a Myanmar ruler, united the region and founded the First Myanmar Empire, that lasted nearly 250 years. The kingdom's capital, Bagan, lay on the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River in the central part of the country. The Myanmars adopted features of the Mon and Pyu cultures, including Theravada Buddhism. Mongol invaders led by Kublai Khan captured Bagan in 1287, shattering the kingdom.
A new Myanmar kingdom arose as the Second Myanmar Empire founded by King Bayintnaung at Taungoo during the 1500's. It was brought down by a Mon rebellion in 1752. The Third and last Myanmar Empire was founded by king Alaungpaya after the Mon rebellion. Three wars with the British-triggered by Myanmar's resistance to Britain's commercial and territorial ambitions-led to the kingdom's collapse. The first war was fought from 1824 to 1826, the second in 1852, and the third in 1885. With these wars, the British gradually annexed the whole country to its empire and named the country Burma.
In 1942, Japan occupied Myanmar. Young Myanmar nationals formed Burma Independence Army with the help of the Japanese and drove the British out of Burma. Through the dislike of the Japanese rule, a group of Myanmar university students, led by General Aung San, formed a league called Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) to fight the Japanese and they helped Britain and Allied powers regain Burma in 1945 and return to power. Because of the overwhelming role of the AFPFL, which had become a strong political party, and the struggle in various forms by the whole Burmese population against the administration, the British had to give Burma full independence on January 4, 1948.
The new Myanmar (Burmese) government, which was fought by some Communists and various ethnic groups, faced many problems, but the ruling party, AFPFL, won the elections landslide in 1951 and 1956. In 1958, however, there developed a split between the then Prime Minister U Nu's followers and another faction in AFPFL, which pushed the country to the brink of civil war. Upon the request of U Nu, General Ne Win set up an interim military government and restored order. He ruled until elections were held in 1960, in which U Nu's faction won a landslide victory and he regained his premiership. As he could no longer control the political and ethnic disputes, Ne Win seized the government in a bloodless take-over in March 1962 to hold Burma together. General Ne Win and his Revolutionary Council of military leaders, who wanted to transform Burma into a socialist nation, founded the Burma Socialist Programme Party and ruled the country until 1988, when large numbers of Burmese demonstrated against the government and called for an end to one-party rule.
The military had to take over the power since the whole country was in turmoil, and established the State Law and Order Restoration Council and allowed multiparty elections to take place in May 1990. The Council also changed the official name of the country from the Union of Burma to the Union of Myanmar. The Council opened the doors to the world and followed market-oriented economic policy. The military government was reorganized in 1997 and changed its name to the State Peace and Development Council.
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The Land & Geography
The land was also known as Suvannabhumi, Golden Land- in ancient times, and today, with its rich natural resources and diversity of attractions, it still deserves to be called the Golden Land.
With a land area of 676, 577 sq.km., Myanmar is the largest country in the Southeast Asia region, bounded by mountain complex in the north, east and west, and enclosed by the Andamen Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the south, southwest, and west. Myanmar shares borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. Situated between latitudes 9. 30’ N and 28. 30’ N and between longitudes 92. 10’ E and 101. 10’ E the country stretches 2090 km north to south, and 925 km east to west and has a varied topography which includes islands, extensive rice plains, river valleys and forested hills and mountains.
It has a 2,832 km long coastline on the Indian Ocean. Myanmar's highest mountains, situated in the far north, include Hkakabo Razi, the tallest peak both locally and in the region, which rises 5,881 km above sea level. The two other mountain systems: a group of low mountains called the Rakhine Yoma stands in the west forming a border with the Indian Subcontinent, and the hilly Shan Plateau separates Myanmar from China, Laos and Thailand.
The central lowland region of Myanmar consists of the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) and Sittaung river valleys. Ayeyarwaddy is the longest river in the country running for 2,010 km from the northern region to the Bay of Bengal, and serves as the principle transportation route and as the main source of water supply for the central dry zone.
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The Climate
Most of Myanmar enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures in Mandalay, in central Myanmar is average 68 °F (20 °C) in January and 85 °F (29 °C) in July. Temperatures in Yangon, on the delta is average 77 °F (25 °C) in January and 80 °F (27 °C) in July. Myanmar has three seasons namely rainy or monsoon, cool, and hot.
The rainy season lasts from late May to October. Rainfall varies greatly from region to region. For example, the Mandalay area receives only about 30 inches (76 cm) of rain a year. The Taninthayi Coast, however, is drenched with over 200 inches (510 cm). The heavy rainfall is brought by seasonal winds called monsoons, which sweep northeastward from the Indian Ocean.
The cool season runs from late October to mid-February. Temperatures are lowest at this time, though the climate remains tropical throughout most of Myanmar.
The hot season lasts from late February to about mid-May. During this season, temperatures often top 100 °F (38 °C) in many parts of Myanmar.
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People & Population
Myanmar has a population of over 47 million with the Bamar, the majority race, making up about 70 percent. The other major national races consist of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages, dialects and culture. The overall population density is about 67 persons per sq km, one of the lowest in East Asia. The population is more than 75 percent rural, with almost half the urban population found in the three largest cities: Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay and Mawlamyine. Communities of Chinese and Indian Muslim minorities dwell in large towns and cities in peaceful coexistence with the Myanmar nationals.
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Languages
The official language is Myanmar, which is spoken by virtually all of Myanmar people, including large national races and non-Myanmar ethnic minorities though they have their own languages and dialects spoken only in their communities or in particular regions. English, being the second language, is widely spoken and understood among the educated urban population. Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindustani and Urdu are most common foreign languages spoken among Chinese and Indian immigrants.
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Religion & Culture
Myanmar is predominantly a Buddhist country with the Buddhists making up about 80 percent of the population, following the school of Theravada Buddhism. There are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists. But it respects the freedom of belief and the people practice religious tolerance on other religions which is evident in the existence of religious buildings of different beliefs in large cities. Because the people are deeply pious, there is at least one pagoda or Buddha Image in every town or city, and even in large villages, so is there a Buddhist monastery. Religion plays so vital in a typical Myanmar Buddhist's life that his/her routine cannot be separated from Buddhist rituals. There is also a Buddhist lent on Myanmar calender which lasts for three months in the rainy season, approximately from July to October, during which fasting is preserved, marriages and moving home is usually put off.
Myanmar lies between two great civilizations, India and China, and is largely influenced by that of India, yet Myanmar has developed its own culture with distinctive characteristics. From India came the institutions of religion and government, but without the Indian caste system of social hierarchy. India was also the source of Pali, the sacred language, along with astrology and some kinds of food. For the majority of Myanmar's population, Buddhism is the center of individual life whereas the monastery is the center of the community. That is why, it is little wonder Myanmar culture is synonymous with Buddhist culture. Myanmar people try to live according to the basic five precepts of Buddhism in their daily activities.
The unique thing about Myanmar culture is that it is free from racial or sex discrimination from childbirth throughout the lifetime. Every one is entitled to equal rights, opportunity and treatment whether at work or at court. For much of Myanmar's history, women played a stronger role than in traditional Western societies. From early on they could own property and were independent in economic activities. Myanmar women enjoy the same status with their male counterparts and do not necessarily have to keep their surnames.
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Economy
Since 1988, Myanmar has moved from a centrally planned economy to a market oriented economy and has liberalised domestic and exrternal trade, promoted the development of the private sector and been opened up to foreign investment.
In line with the new economic direction, such laws as the Foreign Investment Law, Central Bank of Myanmar Law, Financial Institutions of Myanmar Law, and Myanmar Tourist Law have been enacted and Chambers of Commerce reactivated.
Agriculture remains the main sector of the economy and measures are being taken to increase productivity, promote crop diversification, increase agricultural exports and develop agrobased industries.
Under the new economic policy, Myanmar's rich natural and human resources are being utilized and developed not only by the state sector but also by local and foreign investors. Myanmar is also rich in tourist attractions and there is enormous potential for the tourism industry.
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Festivals
Myanmar is popularly know as the Land of Festivals because of the countless religiousand cultural festivals that take place all year round.
Myanmar people are known for their desire for fun, which is evident in round-the-year festivities, celebrated and enjoyed throughout Myanmar. Festivals can be divided into two types-nation-wide and regional. As Myanmar culture is closely intertwined with Buddhism, most of Myanmar festivals center around some religious events. The most popular and nation-wide celebrated festival is the Water Festival, which marks the end of present year and coming of a new year on lunar calendar. So the first month of Myanmar Calendar is in April or the month of TAGU. Almost anyone in the country regardless of age, sex, nationality and belief participate in the major event of the year by throwing or dousing water on each other using bowls, buckets or pipes. It usually falls in April and the Festival is called Thingyan, and lasts for three to four successive days.
Another such festival is the Festival of Lights, called Thadingyut which mark the end of Buddhist lent. During the festival, which last for three days, Buddhist people all over the country illuminate decorated lights in the evenings in reverence to the Buddha. It is also accompanied with funfair of open-air public entertainment, roadside shows, games and stalls. Most of Myanmar festivals are designated according to the Myanmar calendar and each of the twelve months coincides with one or more festivals. Apart from festivals of the Buddhists, there are also those for Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Chinese celebrated among their communities and some of the events are announced public holidays.
To mention a few of the festivals besides the annual Festivities at the Pagodas throughout
Myanmar are Kason Watering of the scared Bo Tree Festival, Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival, Hot Air Balloons & Fireworks Festival, Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda Festival and Taungpyone Spirit Festival.
In order not to miss any opportunities, check with your travel agent or the Myanmar Embassy for updates closer to the event.
January
- Kayin New Year Festival
(03-January) (10-January)
-
Independence Day (04-January)
-
Anada Pagoda Festival-Bagan
(10-January to 01-February)
-
Kayah State Day Festival-Kayah
State (12-January)
- Kachin
Manaw Festival (Myitkyina,
Kachin State) (09-10 January)
-
Naga New Year Festival (15 Jan)
February
- Feast of Shan Harvest
Day-Shan State (03-February)
-
Shan State Day-Shan State
(04-February) (07 Feb)
-
Kyaik-Khauk Pagoda Festival-
Thanlyin (Syriam) 09 17-February
-
Union day-All Myanmar
(12-February)
- Htamane
Festival (23 Feb)
- Damayazika
Pagoda Festival -Bagan (02-16
Feb) (23 Feb)
- Shwesettaw
Pagoda Festival -Minbu. Magway
(06 Feb) (13 Feb)
- Salone
Festival (14 to 17-February)
-
Mahamuni Pagoda Festival
-Mandalay (08 to 16th
Feb)
March
- Peasants' day (Gazetted
holiday) (2-March)
- Pakhan Ko
Gyi Kyaw Festival - Shwe Gu Ni
Village (between Pakokku and
Mingyan) (03-17-March) - Shwe
Saryan Pagoda-Patheingyi
Mandalay (03 to 17-March)
-
Zalun Pyidawpyan Image Festival
(11 to 17-March) (18-24 March)
-
Baw-gyo Festival (12 to
17-March)
- Nyan Taw pagoda
Festival (Shwe Myin Tin Pagoda)-Pyin
00 Lwin (16 to 17-March) (23-24
March)
- Armed Forces Day-AII
Myanmar (27-March)
- Pindaya
Cave Pagoda Festival -Shan State
(16-18 Mar) Shopping with
Bullock Cart - Kakku Pagoda
Festival -Shan State (16-18 Mar)
Alms offering to the monks by
the native (Pa-O) people dressed
in their traditional black
outfits. A traditional market
festival to enjoy. (23-24 March)
-
Shwedagon Pagoda Festival
-Yangon (17 Mar) (23-24 March)
-
Tabaung Festival -Bagan (05-17
Mar)
- Maw-tin-sun Pagoda
Festival -Pathein, Ayeyarwaddy
Division (03 Mar)
- Indawgyi
pagoda Festival -Kachin State
(10 Mar)
- Shinpyu
(Novitiation) Ceremonies
April
- Sand Stupa Festival (Min
Thar Su Quarter -Mandalay) (14
to 15-April) (16-17 May)
- Popa
Ceremony-Mt.Popa (17-April) (06
May)
- Thingyan Water Festival
-All Myanmar (13-17 Apr)
-
Myanmar New Year Day (17 Apr)
-
Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival -Bago
(09 Apr)
May
- Shwe Kyet Yet Event -Amarapura
(14 to 15-May) (21-22 May)
- Kason Fullmoon Day-All
Myanmar (15-May) (22 May)
- May day - All Myanmar
(01-May)
June
- Thihoshin Pagoda Festival -Pakokku
(07-June to 22-July) (14-30 May)
-
Nayone Festival of Tipitaka (14
Jun) (21 Jun)
July
- Fish Feeding Ceremony-Pwintphyu
(near Magwe) (20 Jul- 17 Oct)
-
Shwe Kyun Pin Festival -Mingun
(30-July to 05-August)
-
Martyr's Day -All Myanmar (19
July)
- Shinbinsagyo Pagoda
Festival -Salay (12-13 Jul)
(19-20 Jul)
- Waso Festival of
Dhammasetkya Day (13 Jul) (20
Jul)
August
- Taungpyone Nats (or) Spirits
Festival -Taungpyone, Mandalay
(07 Aug) (19-24 Aug)
-
Lawkanandar Pagoda Festival -Bagan
(04-05 Aug)
- Tantkyitaung
Pagoda Festival -Bagan (11-15
Aug) (11-19 Aug)
- Yadana Cave
Nats Worship Festival (07 Aug)
(27 Aug- 02 Sep)
September
- Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda Festival
-Inle (26 Sep -13 Oct) (03 Oct
-20 Oct)
- Performing Arts
Competition -Yangon
- Manuha
Pagoda Festival -Bagan (09-10
Sep) (17 Sep)
- Tuyintaung
Pagoda Festival -Bagan (09-10
Sep) (17 Feb)
- Shwezigon
Pagoda Festival -Bagan (26 Sep
-25 act) (15-30 Nov)
- Kyaukdaw
Gyi Pagoda Festival- Mandalay
(26 Sep -10 act) (16 Sep~16 Oct)
October
- Myathalon Festival -Magwe
(05-24 act) (12-31 act)
-
Pindaya Cave festival -Pindaya
(20-25 Mar)
- Kyauktawgyi
Pagoda Festival -Mandalay (03-10
act) (16 Sep~16 act)
- Shwekyin
Light Floating Festival -Shwekyin
(10 act) (18 act)
- Thadingyut
Festival -All Myanmar (09-11
act) (16-18 act)
- Kyaukse
Elephant Dance Festival -Kyaukse,
Mandalay (09 act) (16~17 Oct)
- Shwekyin Light Floating Festival - Shwekyin (10 Oct)
- Thadingyut Festival - All Myanmar (09-11 Oct)
- Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival - Kyaukse, Mandalay (09 Oct)
- Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Festival
(Golden Rock)-Kyaikhto, Mon
State (10 Oct)
- Overnight
Yellow Robe Weaving contact
ceremony-Famous Pagoda in Yangon
(07 Nov) (15 Nov)
November
- National Day -All Myanmar
(8-Nov) (25 Nov)
- Kaungmudaw
Pagoda Festival -Sagaing (15
Nov)
- Shwezigon Pagoda
Festival -Bagan (01-23 Nov)
(15-30 Nov)
- Thanbodde Pagoda
Ceremony -Monywa (03-08 Nov)
(10-15 Nov)
- PhowinTaung
Festival -Monywa (03-08 Nov)
(10-15 Nov)
- Tazaungdine
Festival of Lights (08 Nov)
(16-18 Nov)
- Hot Air Balloons
& Fireworks Festival -Taunggyi,
Shan State (01-08 Nov)
-
Kahtein (Robe Offering Ceremony)
-the whole month of Tazaungmon
(17 Oct-15 Nov) - Alotawpyi
Pagoda Festival -Bagan (24 Nov
-15 Dec)
- 9,000 Lighting of
Candles -Koe Htat Gyi, Yangon
(08 Nov)
December
- Shwemyetmhan (Golden
Spectacle) Pagoda Festival -Shwetaung
(01-08
Dec). (19-26 Dec) - Ananda
Pagoda Festival -Bagan (23-31
Dec) (15-29 Dec)
- Kayin New
Year Day (23 Dec) (30 Dec)
-
Christmas Day (25 Dec)
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Traveler's information
When to Visit
You can visit Myanmar all the year round but the best time to come is between October and February as the weather during this period is neither too hot nor wet.
Entry Formalities
A valid Passport with Entry Visa is required of all visitors. A Tourist Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days. A Business Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis. Visa on Arrival is granted on prior arrangement.
Customs Formalities
Foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of US$ 2,000, jewelry, cameras, video cameras, recording equipment and laptop computers must be declared at the airport. Failure to do so could end up in confiscation upon departure. Export of antiques and items of archaeological value are prohibited.
Foreign Exchange
All travelers, unless they are on group or package tours, are required to exchange US$ 200 for Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) on arrival at the airport till end of August 2003 (government just relaxes the change of 200 FEC at the airport starting from 01 September 2003 - see visa.html for more detail). FECs, which is equivalent to the US$, are accepted by hotels, airlines, travel agencies, taxis, restaurants, and as payment of admission fees at museums and pagodas. FECs can be exchanged for Kyats (Myanmar currency) at market rates at authorized money changers. Credit cards such as American Express, Diner and Visa are accepted at most airlines, hotels, banks, jewelry shops, supermarkets and travel agents till 30 August 2003 and could not able to use currently due U.S new sanctions.
Vaccination
Not required unless you are coming from an infected area.
What to Wear
Light, casual wear preferably made of cotton is suitable for all climates. Some warm clothes are necessary if you plan to visit northern Myanmar or other hilly regions in the cold season. Sandals or slippers are convenient as the dress code for Buddhist religious buildings prescribe decent apparel and no footwear including socks.
Manners and Etiquette
It is recommended that you refrain from kissing and hugging in public, pointing at things with your feet, sitting with your back to a Buddha image, improper use of or behavior toward a sacred thing as a Buddha image, and touching a monk.
Reservation and Confirmation
Reservation can be made by fax or Email. Once the reservation is confirmed, the client has to provide the naming list and room arrangements 14 days prior to arrival. If you are buying the whole package from us, we would provide a letter of confirmation for package visa application in order to avoid changing FEC on arrival.
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