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Myanmar was known as Burma
, until 1989.Also known as the "Golden Land" for its rich
land and the wealth of its agriculture and minerals. The official
name is the Union of Myanmar. Myanmar, with a total area of
676,577 sq-km. The country is about 1,299miles (2,090 km) long from
north to south-- including its 400-mile (640 km) strip along the Malay
Peninsula- -and about 575 miles (925 km) from east to west at its
widest extent. The capital city is Yangon. |
| Myanmar's early history begins with the
founding of the first capital of Myanmar at Tagaung King, 100 miles
up-river from Mandalay, reputed to have been thriving during the 5th
Century B.C. In the 1st Century B.C., the Pyu Civilization which followed
flourished in the Ayeawady valley from Tagaung to Pyi
and reached a high level of economic, social and cultural development. |
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Legend to 11th Century , there
was three golden period in Myanmar history, King Anawrahta
consolidated the whole country into the First Myanmar Empire
in Pagan(Bagan) (1044 A.D-1077 A.D).The Pagan Dynasty collapsed
with the invasion of the Mongols under Kublai Khan in the
13th Century. King Bayin Naung founded the Second Myanmar
Empire of Toungoo Period(1551 A.D-1581 A.D) and the
Third Myanmar Empire was founded by King Alaungpaya.
It was during the Konbaung Dynasty, Myanmar became a British
colony after three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in 1825, 1852 and 1885.
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| During the
World War II, Myanmar was occoupied by the Japanese from 1942 till
the return of the Allied Forces in 1945.Myanmar regained the "Soverign
Independent". |
| Art has been closely
intertwined with religion and royalty in Burman history. Temples,
pagodas and palaces displayed the artistic skill of painters,
wood carvers and sculptures. Temples and pagodas were traditionally
built of brick and many are still standing. Art and architecture,
which relied on royal support, faded when the last royal kingdom
collapsed. 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 more light-hearted entertainments involving slapstick comedy,
dance, ensemble singing or giant puppets. |
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| Over
85% of Myanmar are Theravada Buddhist, although it is not the official
state religion. In Rakhine region, towards Bangladesh, there are many
Muslims. Christian missionaries have had some success among hill tribes
but many remain staunch animists. |
| Myanmar is
the predominant language and has its own alphabet and script. Though
you're hardly going to have time to master the alphabet, it may be
worth learning the numerals, if only so you can read the bus numbers.
English is spoken by a few Myanmar, particularly by the older generation. |
The
literacy rate is about 85% and the average life expectancy is 66 years.
There are three seasons in Myanamr-hot rainy and cool.
The following temperature ranges will give you some idea what to expect. |
Hot season
(mid March to mid May) 27 to 35 degrees Centigrade
Rainy season (mid May to mid October) 24 to 32 degrees Centigrade
Cold season (mid October to mid February) 18 to 32 degrees Centigrade |
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