Capital
The capital of Myanmar is Yangon, with a population of 5 million.
The capital of Myanmar is Yangon, with a population of 5 million.
Size
Inland area: 678,500 Km2
Myanmar is the largest country of South-East Asia.
Inland area: 678,500 Km2
Myanmar is the largest country of South-East Asia.
Geographical Situation
Myanmar is located on the Bengal Gulf, between 94° and 98° longitude and 10° and 28° North latitude, bordered by Thailand on the west, by Laos and China on the north-east and India and Bangladesh on the north-west.
The southern part of the country is flat, fed by many rivers; the largest one, the Irrawaddy, formed by two rivers, the Mekha and the Malikha, which rise in the counter forts of the Himalayas, flows through spectacular gorges, tropical jungles and terraced paddy fields to the Bay of Bengal.
The Irrawaddy is the heartbeat of Myanmar and is the most viable means of access to many of the country's attractions.
Myanmar is located on the Bengal Gulf, between 94° and 98° longitude and 10° and 28° North latitude, bordered by Thailand on the west, by Laos and China on the north-east and India and Bangladesh on the north-west.
The southern part of the country is flat, fed by many rivers; the largest one, the Irrawaddy, formed by two rivers, the Mekha and the Malikha, which rise in the counter forts of the Himalayas, flows through spectacular gorges, tropical jungles and terraced paddy fields to the Bay of Bengal.
The Irrawaddy is the heartbeat of Myanmar and is the most viable means of access to many of the country's attractions.
Population
Myanmar has 48 million inhabitants with an average density of 70,7 inhabitants/km2.
68% of the population is Burmese, 9% Shan, 7% Karen, 4% Rakhine, 3% Chinese, 2% Mon and 2% Indian. Ethnic minorities make up the rest of the population of Myanmar.
Myanmar has 48 million inhabitants with an average density of 70,7 inhabitants/km2.
68% of the population is Burmese, 9% Shan, 7% Karen, 4% Rakhine, 3% Chinese, 2% Mon and 2% Indian. Ethnic minorities make up the rest of the population of Myanmar.
Religion
The principal religion of Myanmar is Buddhism (89 %), but it is a curious amalgam of several beliefs and practices containing elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. As is the case in many countries, be careful when discussing religion, especially in the presence of people with a good command of your language.
The principal religion of Myanmar is Buddhism (89 %), but it is a curious amalgam of several beliefs and practices containing elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. As is the case in many countries, be careful when discussing religion, especially in the presence of people with a good command of your language.
Politics
As for religion, it is advisable to refrain from discussing politics except in very broad terms. However people are increasingly open to discussion, although preferably in privacy.
As for religion, it is advisable to refrain from discussing politics except in very broad terms. However people are increasingly open to discussion, although preferably in privacy.
Language
There are more than 100 ethnic groups in Myanmar, all with their own language or dialect, tradition and culture. The majority of the population speak Burmese, the official language and English is widely spoken. However communication and the understanding of local traditions can pose a problem beyond the major cities. The presence of a guide able to speak several languages is highly recommended
Currency
The official currency is the Kyat (MMK) but US dollars are accepted everywhere. Current notes are: ks 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 bank notes.
At the time of writing exchange rate is US$ 1 = 890 Kyat (March 2011)), (January 2011, please note that this can change significantly on a daily basis).
We advise you not to change money at the airport, as the exchange rate is always lower than market rates. Please be aware that our team will be able to help you to change your money at a proper rate. Travellers cheques can pose a problem as they are rarely accepted.
No credit card is accepted
We therefore recommend all tourists visiting Myanmar to bring cash in USD, because currently it is the only foreign currency which is accepted.
We therefore recommend all tourists visiting Myanmar to bring cash in USD, because currently it is the only foreign currency which is accepted.
Climate
The best time of year to visit Myanmar is from mid October to the beginning of March. At this time, the climate is mild and dry. Temperatures can however be very low at altitude and especially at night. This is the case for Inle Lake. The hottest time of year is from March to mid May and the rainy season lasts from mid May to the beginning of October. We would suggest you avoid the months of May and June, which are hot and humid. In July, August and September, the humidity is generally high in Yangon. It is less so in the northern regions (Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake).
The best time of year to visit Myanmar is from mid October to the beginning of March. At this time, the climate is mild and dry. Temperatures can however be very low at altitude and especially at night. This is the case for Inle Lake. The hottest time of year is from March to mid May and the rainy season lasts from mid May to the beginning of October. We would suggest you avoid the months of May and June, which are hot and humid. In July, August and September, the humidity is generally high in Yangon. It is less so in the northern regions (Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake).
| Mandalay | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Min °C | 13 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 20 | 15 |
| Max °C | 28 | 31 | 36 | 38 | 37 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 5 | 10 | 12 | 43 | 162 | 165 | 83 | 106 | 147 | 132 | 62 | 19 |
| Yangon | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Min °C | 18 | 19 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 22 | 19 |
| Max °C | 31 | 34 | 36 | 37 | 33 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 10 | 21 | 45 | 296 | 469 | 540 | 517 | 358 | 183 | 36 | 18 |
Local Time
Myanmar is 6 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Myanmar is 6 hours 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Electricity
In Myanmar the «standard»electrical current is 220V, but sockets are not always standard. It is highly recommended that you take an international adapter with you.
Due to its limited power supply, the country suffers from frequent power cuts - and over voltage, but most hotels and restaurants in the major cities have their own generators.
In Myanmar the «standard»electrical current is 220V, but sockets are not always standard. It is highly recommended that you take an international adapter with you.
Due to its limited power supply, the country suffers from frequent power cuts - and over voltage, but most hotels and restaurants in the major cities have their own generators.
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