Myanmar Country Facts
Land of golden pagodas, ancient kingdoms, untouched landscapes, and rich cultural traditions.
Quick Country Facts
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country Name | Republic of the Union of Myanmar |
| Capital | Naypyidaw |
| Continent | Asia (Southeast Asia) |
| Population | ~55 million (Rank: ~26th globally) |
| Official Language | Burmese |
| Currency | Myanmar Kyat (MMK) |
| Time Zone | GMT +6:30 |
| Calling Code | +95 |
Short Fact: Myanmar – A Nation of Golden Temples and Timeless Culture
Myanmar, often known as Burma, is home to over 2,000 ancient temples, rich traditions, and vibrant communities along the Irrawaddy River.
Long Fact: Myanmar – A Journey Through Spiritual Heritage and Historical Depth
Myanmar (Burma) is a Southeast Asian country bordered by India, China, Thailand, Laos, and Bangladesh. With a landscape that spans dense forests, tropical coasts, mountains, and vast plains, Myanmar is culturally and geographically diverse.
Its capital, Naypyidaw, is a modern planned city, but the heart of Myanmar’s culture and tourism lies in cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and the ancient city of Bagan — home to over 2,000 Buddhist pagodas and temples scattered across an arid plain.
The Burmese people have a deep-rooted spiritual connection, and Buddhism plays a central role in daily life. Monks are widely respected, and golden pagodas like the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon attract millions of devotees and tourists.
Despite its rich heritage, Myanmar has faced long-standing political instability, military rule, and civil conflicts. Recent years have seen a return to military control, impacting human rights and freedom. However, the people of Myanmar are known for their warmth, resilience, and peaceful traditions.
The Thanaka paste used for skincare, longyi traditional garments, and intricate lacquerware are distinct elements of Burmese culture.
Myanmar’s cuisine is influenced by Indian, Chinese, and Thai flavors, with dishes like mohinga (rice noodle fish soup), laphet thoke (tea leaf salad), and coconut rice with curry.
The Irrawaddy River is the lifeline of the nation, supporting agriculture, transport, and daily living. The country also boasts wildlife diversity, from Asian elephants and tigers to rare birds and freshwater dolphins.
Tourism is slowly growing, especially in more open and stable regions, and offers spiritual journeys, nature treks, and authentic village life.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Myanmar
Q1. Is Myanmar the same as Burma?
Ans: Yes, Burma is the former name. The official name is Myanmar, but both are still used.
Q2. What is Myanmar famous for?
Ans: For golden temples, Bagan ruins, Buddhist culture, and Thanaka paste.
Q3. What is the capital of Myanmar?
Ans: Naypyidaw is the official capital.
Q4. What language is spoken in Myanmar?
Ans: The official language is Burmese.
Q5. What religion is followed in Myanmar?
Ans: Predominantly Theravāda Buddhism.
Q6. Is Myanmar safe for tourists?
Ans: Some regions are safe, but political unrest exists in parts of the country.
Q7. What is the famous dish of Myanmar?
Ans: Mohinga, a rice noodle fish soup, is the national dish.
Q8. What is special about Bagan?
Ans: Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of ancient temples.
Q9. What traditional clothing is worn in Myanmar?
Ans: Men and women wear a longyi, a wraparound skirt.
Q10. What is Thanaka in Myanmar?
Ans: A yellowish cosmetic paste made from tree bark, used for cooling and skincare.