About Myanmar (Please refer to the Internet for a more in-depth overview)
Myanmar is also called Burma. However, in 1989 the country’s official English name was changed from the
Union of Burma to the Union of Myanmar; in the Burmese language, the country has been known as
Myanma (or, more precisely, Mranma Prañ) since the 13th century.
Capital city:
Surprisingly enough, neither Yangon nor Mandalay is the capital city of Myanmar. In 2005 the government
shifted its administrative centre to Nay Pyi Taw (Naypyidaw), a newly constructed city near Pyinmana. Nay
Pyi Taw was proclaimed the capital of Myanmar in 2006.
Currency:
The Kyat (pronounced ‘chat’) is the official currency of Myanmar, abbreviated as ‘K‘ or 'MMK' and usually
placed before the numerical value (i.e.K500). Kyat comes in notes (no coins) of value K50, K100, K200,
K500, K1000, K5000 and K10,000.
The US dollar is an alternative currency, particularly for larger purchases. Smaller purchases, such as taxi
rides, buses and cheaper to mid-range meals, are quoted and are almost always paid for in kyat. I have
found no need for US currency in Myanmar and draw local money from the ATM.
Language:
The Burmese language is the official language of Myanmar. However, English is widely used – to varying
degrees of proficiency.
Religion:
Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country, with 89% of the population Buddhist, 4% Christian, 4%
Islam and about 1% Animist.
Location and size:
Myanmar is located in the western portion of mainland Southeast Asia. The country is bordered by China
to the north and northeast, Laos to the east, Thailand to the southeast, the Andaman Sea and Bay of
Bengal to the south and southwest, Bangladesh to the west, and India to the northwest. The country
covers 676,578 square kilometres and has a total length from north to south of about 2,050 km and its
width at the widest part of approximately 930 km from east to west.
Population:
Myanmar has a population of 54 million and a population density of 83 per Km; it is listed as no 127 on
the list of countries by population density.
The people are made up of a striking array of different ethnic groups, which include Bamar/Burmese (the
largest in number), Shan, Karen, Kachin, Chin, Mon, Han Chinese and Indian, to name but a few.
Internet coverage:
Internet services are widely available, particularly in town areas. I usually purchase a local sim card and
internet time at the border.