(^72) 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 K10000.
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 islisted 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.
leana
(Leana)
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