Early civilization in Myanmar dates back to the 1st century with archaeological evidences of the Pyu kingdoms of Thayekhittaya (Sriksetra), Beikthano (Visnu) and Hanlin.
Current Myanmar history, however, goes back to early 11th Century when Anawrahta unified the country and founded the First Myanmar Empire in Bagan more than 20 years before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Bagan Empire encompassed the areas of the present-day Myanmar and the entire Menam Valley in Thailand. The Empire, which lasted until the end of the 13th century, produced a glorious civilization whose monuments still endure. The second Myanmar Empire was founded in mid 16th Century by King Bayinnaung. King Alaungpaya founded the last Myanmar Dynasty in 1752 and it was during the zenith of this Empire that the British moved into Myanmar. Like India, Myanmar became a British colony but only after three Anglo-Myanmar Wars in 1825, 1852, and 1885. During the second World War, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 till the return of Allied Forces in 1945. Myanmar has become a sovereign independent state since 4th January 1948 after 62 years under the colonial administration. Myanmar is the first country that regained her independence although she was the last country to be occupied by the British in this region.
Myanmar has a total area of 676,577 sq. km. it is two times as large as the size of Vietnam and about the size of United Kingdom and France combined. Geographically, Myanmar is the largest country in South-East Asian Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. The country stretches 2090 km north to south, and 925 km east to west with over 50% of the total land covered with forests.
Myanmar has the effects of the monsoon in different parts of the country. Temperature varies from 38 C in coastal and delta areas to 19 C in the northern highlands. Humidity ranges from 82.8% to 66%. Myanmar has three distinctive seasons; namely, hot (March to May), rainy (June to October) and cool (November to February).
Myanmar is a union of many nationalities; speaking over one hundred languages and dialects. The term 'Myanmar' embraces all nationalities. The major races are the Kachin. Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. There are 7 states and 7 divisions in Myanmar.
The population of Myanmar is at present over 42,642,000. The average household size is estimated at 3 or 4 people. The literacy rate in Myanmar stood at 81% according to the figures of 1993 study. Yangon (Rangoon) is the capital of Myanmar and has a population of nearly 5 million. Other cities with a large population are Mandalay, Mawlamyain, Bago, Pathein.
The official language is Myanmar and it is spoken by at least 80% of the population. The spoken Myanmar language differs slightly from region to region and the minority ethnic groups have their own languages and dialects. English is widely spoken and understood in cities like Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, etc.. Cantonese. Fukienese, and Mandarin can also be used in the business circles here.
Over 80% of the Myanmars are Buddhists. There are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus and even some animists. However, there is full freedom of worship for followers of other religions. Christians missionaries have been active in Myanmar for over 150 years. Among them, the American Baptists were the first on the scene.
Myanmar lies on the cross-roads of two of the world's great civilizations - China and India. It's culture is a blend of both interspersed with Myanmar native traits and characteristics developing distinctive culture. Buddhism has great influence on daily life of the Myanmars. The people have preserved the traditions of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmars are known for their simple hospitality and friendliness. They are a people easily contented and cheerful in the face of adversity. The wealth of natural resources may be impressive but the great fascination of Myanmar lies in its people.
Agriculture Sector
Agriculture contributes 36 percent of GDP, accounts for 35 percent of export earnings and employs 64 percent of the labor force.
Presently, Myanmar has 18 million hectares of arable land of which only 9 million hectares are under cultivation. There are still 9 million hectares available for cultivation. In the fiscal year 1996/1997, over 150,000 hectares of fallow and wasteland were claimed for cultivation.
Myanmar is rich in water resources. It is calculated that Myanmar has total water resources of approximately 870 milion acre-feet annum out of which only 6 per cent is utilized.
Since 1988, altogether 86 irrigation projects have been implemented at a cost of approximately 14 billion Kyats. As a result, irrigated area has increased from 12.5 % of the sown area in 1987/1988 to 16.4 % in 1996/1997.
Livestock and Fishery Sector
Myanmar endowed with a coastline of 2,800 Kilometers is rich in fishery resources. It has been estimated that one million metric tons of fishery resources could be exploited annually on a sustainable basis. Presently, only 60 % of the maximum sustainable yield is harvested.
All in all, fishery together with the livestock sector is the third most important sector of the economy and contributes 7.1 % of GDP.
Forestry Sector
Nearly 51 % of Myanmar is covered with forests. Myanmar practices a system of sustainable forest management by establishing a quantitative ceiling through the imposition of an annual allowable cut. The allowable cut for teak is 432,000 cubic meters and for non-teak hardwoods is 2,340,000 cubic meters. Over 15% of land area is maintained as Reserved and Protected Public Forest. As of 1997 there were over 610,000 hectares of forest plantation.
Myanmar Standard Time is 6:30 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
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