Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is the Land of Human Origin. It is also recognized by the world as the Golden Land. You have to find out why.

Myanmar, officially Union Of Myanmar, also called Burma, Burmese Myanmar, or Pyidaungzu Myanmar Naingngandaw, is a country lying along the eastern coasts of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea in southeast Asia.

The country covers an area of 677,000 square kilometers (261,228 square miles) ranging 936 kilometres (581 miles) from east to west and 2,051 kilometers (1,275 miles) from north to south, It is a land of hills and valleys and is rimmed in the north, east and west by mountain ranges forming a giant horseshoe. Enclosed within the mountain barriers are the flat lands of Ayeyarwaddy, Chindwin and Sittaung River valleys where most of the country's agricultural land and population are concentrated.

The length of contiguous frontier is 6,159 kilometres. The total length of Myanmar-Bangladesh boundary is 271 kilometres (168.7 miles). The total length of Myanmar-China boundary is 2,204 kilometres (1,370 miles); Myanmar-Thailand 2,107 kilometres (1,309.8 miles); Myanmar-India 1,338 kilometres (831.8 miles); and Myanmar-Laos 238 kilometres (147.9 miles).

As a whole, the location and topography of the country generated a diversity of climate conditions. Seasonal changes in the monsoon wind directions create summer, rainy and winter seasons. Extremes of temperature are rare. The directions of winds and depression bring rain, and although it is always heavy in the coastal areas during monsoon season, it seldom creates hardships. The Government is giving priority to the forest conservation and greening of nine arid districts in central Myanmar.

Myanmar is endowed with a rich diversity of habitat types arising largely from its unusual ecological diversity. It is home to nearly 300 known mammal species, 300 reptiles and about 100 birds species, and a haven for about 7,000 species of plant life. Since Myanmar considers such a rich pool of bio diversity as an important national asset, the Government has drawn up strict regulations to protect its biological resources.

History

Myanmar has a long and complex history. Many peoples have lived in the region and the history began. The first identifiable civilization is that of the Mon. The Mon probably began migrating into the area in about 300 BC, and their first kingdom Suwarnabhumi, was founded around the port of Thaton in about 300 BC. The Pyu arrived in Myanmar in the 7th century and established city kingdoms at Binnaka, Mongamo, Sri Ksetra, and Halingyi. During this period, Myanmar was part of an overland trade route from China to India. By 849, the Burmans had founded a powerful kingdom centered on the city of Bagan and filled the void left by the Pyu. The kingdom grew in relative isolation until the reign of Anawrahta (1044 - 77) who successfully unified all of Myanmar by defeating the Mon city of Thaton in 1057.
After the collapse of Bagan authority, Myanmar was divided once again. The Burmans had restablished themselves at the city of Ava by 1364, where Bagan culture was revived and a great age of Burmese literature ensued. The kingdom lacked easily defendable borders, however, and was overrun by the Shan in 1527.

Surviors of the destruction of Ava eventually established a new kingdom centered on Taungoo in 1531 led by Tabinshwehti (reigned 1531-50), who once again unified most of Myanmar. A popular Burmese leader named Alaungpaya drove the Bago forces out of northern Myanmar by 1753, and by 1759 he had once again conquered Bago and southern Myanmar while also regaining control of Manipur. He established his capital at Yangon.

There are seven states and seven divisions in Myanmar.

STATES	DIVISIONS
Kachin	Yangon
Kayah	Mandalay
Kayin	Sagaing
Chin	Magwe
Mon	Bago
Rakhine	Ayeyarwaddy
Shan	Thanintharyi

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.

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.

Myanmar Calendar

The Myanmar calendar subscribes to both the solar and lunar months, thus requiring an intercalary 30-day 13th month every second or third year. Therefore, the full moon days may change from one month to another in the usual calendar. The Myanmar months are :

MYANMAR MONTH	CALENDAR MONTH
Tagu	March/April
Kason	April/May
Nayon	May/June
Waso	June/July
Wagaung	July/August
Tawthalin	August/September
Thadingyut	September/October
Tazaungmone	October/November
Nadaw	November/December
Pyatho	December/January
Tabodwei	January/February
Tabaung	February/March

Visa Information

Myanmar requires a visa for all foreigners visiting the country. It is valid for 28 days starting from the day you enter the country, three months from the date of issue. You can obtain a visa from Myanmar Embassies in the various countries. The international points of entry and exit Myanmar are Yangon International Airport and Mandalay International Airport. Show your passport with valid entry visa, disembarkation card on arrival to the Immigration officer at the International Airport (Yangon or Mandalay). Foreign Independent Travellers (FITs) are required to exchange 200 US$ for Foreign Exchange Certificate (F.E.C) on arrival at the counter of Myanmar Foreign Trade Bank (MFTB).

Passport

A valid passport with Entry visa is required for all tourists & businessmen, applicable at Myanmar Embassies and Consulate General Offices abroad. For further details of the embassies click : Myanmar Embassies and Consulate abroad. You can also visit http://www.mofa.gov.mm the official web site of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Types of Visa
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.

How to get entry visa to Myanmar

1. Visa on arrival (without pre-arrangement) will be suspended starting from 1st September to until further notice.
2. Only for the client who has no Myanmar embassy in their countries, we can provide Pre-arranged visa on arrival service.
3. We recommend getting Myanmar visa in advance from the Myanmar Embassy abroad.
4. If you want us to provide the pre-arrange visa on arrival service, pls give us the below information
   • Full Name as in passport
   • Name of father
   • Passport Number
   • Date of Birth
   • Place of Birth
   • Passport Issuance & Expiration date (passport must be valid 6 months after arrival!)
   • Nationality
   • Race
   • Religion
   • Sex
   • Occupation
   • Home address
   • Reason for visiting Myanmar
   • Flights in/ out
   • Scanned passport photo or copy of passport page with photo

With this information we will apply for a visa on arrival. In order to be able to process the visa in time we need about 7-14 working days.

After getting the approval letter from the authorities, we will send you a copy of this authorization letter to be presented at the check-in counter of the airline (don't forget airline will not let you board flight).

You are requested to bring with you the copy of the authorization letter, 2 passport size pictures and the amount of 30 USD in cash for the payment of the visa fee on arrival at airport.

Our service fee to arrange a Visa On Arrival: USD 25 / passport.

Note: This fee will be charged whether the application is accepted or not.

For further visa information visit http://www.myanmarvisa.com

Currency

Foreign Currency
oreigners are recommended to bring US Dollars into Myanmar because they are easily exchangeable for Foreign Exchange Certificate (FEC) at authorised money changers, who can also exchange directly into Kyat. Euros may also be exchanged into FEC at authorised money changer. Please be warned that torn, dirty and stained notes might not be able to accepted.

Credit Cards
Only a few restaurants and hotels accept Credit cards, and the service charges may vary from 20 to 40 percent.

Myanmar Currency
Myanmar currency is known as " Kyat " which comprises 100 pyas.
Denomination
Notes : Kyat 1000, Kyat 500, Kyat 200, Kyat 100, Kyat 90, Kyat 50, Kyat 45, Kyat 20, Kyat 15, Kyat 10, Kyat 5, Kyat 1. Coins : Kyat 100, Kyat 50, Kyat 10, Kyat 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.

Travellers checks are NOT normally accepted and are difficult to transact. Travellers 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.

Electricity

When you plan to bring some electronic devices, make sure that these work with our Domestic power A.C 220 - 250V 50Hz. The Power Line is 440V.

Mobile Phone

Please be noted that Mobile Phones from other countries will not work in Myanmar.

Vaccination

Most traveler will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and polio, as well as medications for malaria prophylaxis and travelers’ diarrhea. Other immunizations may be necessary depending upon the circumstances of the trip and the medical history of the traveler. Insect repellents are recommended, in conjunction with other measures to prevent mosquito bites. All travelers should visit their personal physician 4-8 weeks before your trip. The sun can be remarkably hot and a hat and high-factor block cream is advisable.

What to wear

Light, casual cotton wear because of hot weather A cardigan or light jerkin, when visiting northern Myanmar in the cold season An umbrella during the rainy season Sandals or slippers Quick drying clothes are recommended if you visit during the rainy season or Thingyan The dress code for pagodas and monasteries prescribe decent apparel, no footwear is allowed when visiting pagodas and monasteries.

What to bring

Insect repellent Sun block, sunglasses, hat, umbrella Personal medical kit Note : Most of the necessary goods are available at supermarkets and nearby stores.

Myanmar Traditions and Culture

Although court culture has been extinguished, popular street-level culture is vibrant and thriving. Drama is the mainstay of this culture, and just about any celebration is a good excuse for a pwe (show). Performances may recount Buddhist legends, or be more light-hearted entertainments involving slapstick comedy, dance, ensemble singing or giant puppets. Myanmar music is an integral part of a pwe; it originates from Thai and emphasises rhythm and melody. Instruments are predominantly percussive and include drums, boat-shaped harps, gongs and bamboo flutes. Over 85% of the Myanmar population is Theravada Buddhist. In the Rakhine region, towards Bangladesh, there are many Muslims. Christian missionaries have had some success among hill tribes but many remain staunch animists. The toys of Myanmar are not only for the children but also famous in the world, known as the Marionettes (or) Puppets of Myanmar. Its a combination of Myanmar Art and Culture, together to show the inner expressions of the Myanmar people. Myanmar also have festivals all around the year, at least one in each month of the year. The most famous festival of Myanmar is the Thingyan Water Festival, which is held from 13 April to 16 April every year.
Myanmar has a long history dating back several thousand years. The traditions and culture of Myanmar as well as the philosophy of life of it's people, the majority of who are Buddhists, has been shaped profoundly by Buddhism. Hence, Myanmar, regardless of their race or ethnic origin, are peace-loving, friendly, generous and hospitable. They also have an innate sense of duty to family, community and country.
In Myanmar, there is a tradition, particularly in the rural areas, of people collectively helping with each other's work and participating in communal activities. People in the village, for example, will collectively help each other in such activities as cultivating and harvesting paddy and other crops, repairing bunds of paddy fields, digging wells, repairing roofs of houses etc.. This age old tradition is called "Let-Sar-Like". It can be translated roughly as " Lending a Hand ".

Public Holidays