Country Guide • Burma (Myanmar)
Myanmar is located on the mainland of South East Asia. It is bound by China to the north and northeast, Laos to the east, Thailand to the east and southeast, India to the northwest, Bangladesh to the west and the Andaman Sea to the south. Since 1962 Myanmar has been under the military rule of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) - formerly known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (Slorc).
| Official Name | Union of Myanmar |
|---|---|
| Area | 678,500km² (261,969mile²) |
| Population | 42,510,500 |
| Continent | Asia |
| Population per mile² | 162 |
| Capital City | Yangon (Rangoon) |
| Religions | 89% Theravada Buddhists, 5% Christian, 4% Muslim, 3% animist |
| Language | Burmese |
| Government | Military Regime |
| Currency | Kyat |
| GDP | $70 billion |
| GDP per Head | $1,660 |
| Natural Resources | Petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower |
| Land Use | Arable Land 14% |
| Agriculture | Beans, rice, pulses, sesame seeds, ground nuts, sugarcane, timber mainly hardwood, fish and fish products |
| Industry | Fertilizers, Food Processing, Footwear, Forestry, Mining, Oil and Gas Production, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles |
| Tourism | The situation in Burma remains unsettled and travellers are advised to remain informed as to developments in the country. Check British Embassy for up to date information. Curfews have been imposed in some areas and caution is recommended to all travellers |
| Natural Hazards | Earthquakes and cyclones, flooding and landslides common during rainy season (June to September) and occasional droughts |
| Health Risks | Cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, malaria, rabies, typhoid |
| Climate | Myanmar has a tropical climate with three seasons, (1) a monsoon or rainy season between May and October, (2) the hot season between April and November, and (3) the cool season between December and March. Temperatures are hot all year round with fairly high humidity. Average temperature ranges in Yangon are from 18 to 32°C in January to 24 to 36°C in April |
| Time | GMT/UTC+6 1/2 hours |
| National Days | Jamuary 4 |
| Visas | Visas are required to enter Myanmar. A passport must be valid for at least six months from the time of entry. 28-day tourist visas are issued at a cost |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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