About Myanmar

Myanmar, known as Suvanna Bhumi (the Golden Earth) in the olden days of its fertile land and rich natural resources is the largest country in the South-east Asia Peninsula, sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. With a total land area of 676,577 sq.km, it composed of seven states and seven divisions. The country stretches over 2090 km from north to south and over 925 km east to west. It has a 2832 km long coastline on the Indian Ocean. More than 50 percent of the total land area is covered with forest.

The majority of people are Theravada Buddhists at about 85%, with Christians at around 10%, Muslims and Hindus at around 4% each and others, usually animist who revere deities in their own culture, 1%.

People even of small-numbered races live within their own cultures with deep reverence towards their traditions.  There are over 100 national races in Myanmar by official count. The Bamar are the majority group, comprising about 65% of the more than 55.4 million population. The other main groups are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan with various sub groups that often speak different languages. The best know sub groups are Danu, Dawei, Eng, Ganan, Inthar, Kadu, lahu, Lisu, Mro, Myeik(Beik), naga, Pa O, Palaung, Padaung, Rawang, Salon or Moken, Thet, Wa and Zo.

Myanmar has a wealth of natural resources, not least its flora and fauna. The terrain ranges from the wet delta to the dry central zone, cool hills, lush fertile valleys, long mountain ranges and ice covered peaks. The highest Mt. Khakaborazi is also SE Asia’s highest at 19,296 feet (5,881 m), situated at the Eastern end of the Himalayas. Mt. Ganlanyazi is 19,142 feet (5834m) high, and Natma Mountain (Mt. Victoria) is 10,200 feet (3,109m).

Throughout history, the rivers of Myanmar have been its lifelines, and we have four main rivers named Ayewawaddy, Chindwin, Sittaung and Thanlwin. You can make a journey through the rivers in the country. All over the country and especially in the delta there are natural springs, hundreds of streams and rivulets, and canals and dams constructed for farmers.