Myanmar
Asia · South-Eastern Asia
Overview
Myanmar lies in Southeast Asia, bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand, with coastlines on the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The country's former name, Burma, remains in use in some international contexts, as the official name change was carried out in 1989 by the military government, a change part of the democratic opposition still does not recognize as legitimate. The population is remarkably diverse, made up of more than 135 officially recognized ethnic groups, with the Bamar majority alongside significant minorities, including the Shan, Karen, and Rohingya, the latter community's situation the subject of a severe humanitarian crisis. The official language is Burmese, and the majority of the population practices Theravada Buddhism.
Bagan, the former capital of the Pagan Kingdom, where more than 2,000 Buddhist temples and stupas built between the 11th and 13th centuries cover the plain, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019 and stands as one of the most remarkable ensembles of Buddhist architecture in Southeast Asia. Yangon (Rangoon), the country's former capital and largest city, is home to the Shwedagon Pagoda, its gilded stupa one of the holiest sites in Burmese Buddhism. Mandalay, the capital of the last Burmese royal dynasty, with numerous monasteries and Mandalay Hill, is a center of traditional Burmese cultural life. Inle Lake, on the Shan Plateau, known for its leg-rowing fishermen and floating gardens, showcases the region's distinctive way of life.
Around Inle Lake, boat tours offer a look at the traditional fishing techniques of the local Intha people, along with the lake's floating, hydroponic-style vegetable gardens. Myanmar's mountainous northern and eastern regions, including Shan State, can be explored through trekking tours offering insight into traditional ethnic minority village life, though access to these regions is currently limited due to the security situation. The Ngapali coast, along the Bay of Bengal, with its sandy beaches, was previously a hub of coastal tourism before the current political situation reduced visitor numbers. Local cuisine is built around rice and fish sauce, with mohinga, a fish-based noodle soup, regarded as the national dish.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Browse all UNESCO sites →Pyu Ancient Cities
Pyu Ancient Cities includes the remains of three brick, walled and moated cities of Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra located in vast irrigated landscapes in the dry zone of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River basin. They reflect the Pyu Kingdoms that flourished for over 1,000 years between 200 BC and AD 900. The three cities are partly excavated archaeological sites. Remains include excavated palace citadels, burial grounds and manufacture sites, as well as monumental brick Buddhist stupas, partly standing walls and water management features – some still in use – that underpinned the organized intensive agriculture.
Bagan
Lying on a bend of the Ayeyarwady River in the central plain of Myanmar, Bagan is a sacred landscape, featuring an exceptional range of Buddhist art and architecture. The seven components of the serial property include numerous temples, stupas, monasteries and places of pilgrimage, as well as archaeological remains, frescoes and sculptures. The property bears spectacular testimony to the peak of Bagan civilization (11th -13th centuries CE), when the site was the capital of a regional empire. This ensemble of monumental architecture reflects the strength of religious devotion of an early Buddhist empire.
Data: UNESCO WHC · CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Myanmar?
The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw.
What is the area of Myanmar?
The area of Myanmar is 676,578 km².
What is the population of Myanmar?
The population of Myanmar is 54,500,091.
What is the currency of Myanmar?
The currency of Myanmar is Burmese kyat (MMK).
What is the official language of Myanmar?
The official language of Myanmar: Burmese.
What side of the road does Myanmar drive on?
Myanmar: Right-hand traffic.
Is Myanmar a member of the United Nations?
Yes, Myanmar is a member of the United Nations.