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Myanmar, khown as Suvanna Bhumi (the Golden Earth) in the olden
days for its fertile land and rich natural resources is the largest
country in the South-east Asia Peninsula sharing borders with bangladesh,
India, China, Laos and Thailand. With a total land area of 676,577sq.km,
it is about the size of Texas and the size of United Kingdom and
France combined. The country stretches over 2090 km from north to
south and over 925 km. east to west. It has a 2832 km long coastline
on the Indian Ocean. Over 50 percent of the total land area is covered
with forests.
Generally, Myanmar has three seasons. The monsoon or rainy season
is from May to October, the cool dry season from November to February,
and the hot season from March to May. During the rainy season, rainfall
varies from 75 cm in the central dry zone to 500 cm in the coastal
region. Average temperature ranges from 21C in the northern highland
to 32C in central and lower areas.
Early civilization in Myanmar dates back to the 1st century with
archaeological evidences of Pyu Kingdom of Thayekhittaya (Sri Kseta),
Beithano (Vishnu) and Hanlin.
The first Myanmar Empire was founded in early 11th century by King
Anawrahta who unified the country through his strong leadership
and intellect. The Empire with its capital at Bagan lasted until
the end of 13th century with the invasion of Mongols. This was more
than 20 years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The
Second Myanmar Empire with its capital in Bago (Pegu) was founded
in mid - 16th century by King Bayinnauang. The Third and the last
Myanmar Empire was founded by King Alaungpaya in 1752. In the 19th
century, during the peak period of colonialism, Myanmar was annexed
in three stages by the British after three Anglo - Myanmar Wars
in 1825, 1852. During the Second World War, Myanmar was occupied
by the Japanese for nearly three years until the Allied Forces'
reoccupation in 1945. Myanmar became a sovereign independent state
on January 4, 1948.
Myanmar is a union of over 100 nationalities with their own languages
and dialects. The major races are the Bamar, the Chin, the Kachin,
the Shan, the Kayah, the Kayin, the Mon and the Rakhine. The name
Myanmar embraces all the nationalities. The population of Myanmar
is over 52 million with the Bamar, the majority race, making uo
about 70 percent.
Predominantly a Buddhist country with more than 80 percent of the
people embracing Theravada Buddhism. There are also Christians,
Muslims, Hindus and some animists.
Myanmar lies between two great civilizations, India and China,
but it has developed its own distinctive culture. Buddhism has a
great influence on the daily lives of the Myanmar people. The people
have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for
elders and simple native dress. While tolerance and contentment
are the characteristics of the people, Myanmar hospitality is legendary.
The official language is Myanmar. English is wildely spoken and
understood.
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