Introduction

Myanmar, known as Burma for many years, is an ancient land which has existed since the prehistoric times. The historical facts of ancient days can be seen in Bagan, Mandalay, Innwa, Amarapura, Shwebo, Bago, Pyay, Taungoo and so on.

The amazing pagodas, temples, shrines and the old Buddhist monasteries are distinctive features of Myanmar and archeological evidence of ancient days can be seen significantly. These show that there were the different eras in our history.

 

Location, Temperature, Weather and Population

Myanmar is located in South East Asia and her territory is over 678,033 square kilometers (wide about 925 KM from East to West and long about 2090KM from North to South). It has nearly (60) millions people and surrounded by India in West, Bangladesh in North-West, China in North and North-East and Laos and Thai in East and South-East.

It has normally three Seasons; summer (March-May, temperature: 29-45^.c), Rainy Season (June-October, temperature: 22-40^.c) and Winter (November-February: 19-29^.c) and mountains of Northern parts are capped with snow in the winter season. Many seasonal vegetables and fruits are available accordingly.

People, Religion, Language and Culture

Myanmar is a very lovely country as Myanmar owns many kinds of Gems, plants, wood, fruits as per its topography. And the most attractive one is that Myanmar people are very charming and helpful with smiling faces. Over 135 national races live together in Myanmar since the ancient time. The main national races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Bamar, Rakkhine, Shan and other national tribes are Kokant, Wa, Lisu, Lahu, Dahnu, Pa-oh, Pa daung, Naga, Myo, Khami , Thet, Dinnet, Dawei, Hsalon and so on. Besides, the immigrants of Chinese and Indian stock have been gently absorbed during the colonial day.

Myanmar is a multi-religious country. There is not any official state religion, but the government shows preference for Theravada Buddhism, the majority religion. 89% of population is Buddhism, 4% is Christianity, another 4% is Islam, 2% is Atheism, Animism and others and 1% is Hinduism. Though some Myanmar believes in Nats (Spirits), most are Theravada Buddhism. Meditation is now more blooming in Myanmar and meditation centers are easily accessible. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting pagodas and monasteries. Shoes (and socks!) must be removed before entering any religious building, holy places or private homes. It is therefore useful to wear shoes without too many laces and which can easily be taken off.

The classical Myanmar language is spread with words from Pali, Sanskrit and Mon and is influenced by Theravada Buddhism. It has an alphabet of 33 consonants and 12 owels that combine to form syllabic sound. Modern Myanmar language is simple and colloquial. The sounds are combined with different tones to approach a harmonious compound language and it can be made cutting ways of using "I" or "You" to exemplify the familiarity, age, rank and relationship. There are also different nouns and verbs for different classes i.e. member of the clergy, royalty and layman.

To notice, Myanmar people don't like to touch their head because they feel that is irrespective. Younger ones should bend their head when they pass through in front of the elder people and use both hands when the younger ones take or give something from or to the elder people. That shows respect to the elders.

Currency/ Credit Card/ Cheque

 The basic unit of Myanmar currency is the "Kyat". Hundred pyas are equal to one kyat note.The local currencies (Notes) are Kyats 10000, Kyats 5000, Kyats 1000, Kyats 500, Kyats 200, Kyats 100, Kyats 90, Kyats 50, Kyats 45, Kyats 20, Kyats 15, Kyats 10, Kyats 5, Kyat 1 and coins are Kyats 100, Kyats 50, Kyats 10, Kyats 5, Kyat 1, Pya 50, Pya 25, Pya 10, Pya 5, Pya 1. Foreign exchange currencies are 1 FEC note, 5 FEC note, 10 FEC note and 20 FEC note.

Travelers' checks are NOT normally accepted and difficult to transact. Travelers are advised to bring US Dollars in cash (small denomination notes). Acceptable foreign currencies are- United States Dollar (USD), British Pound, German mark, French franc, Swiss franc, Australian dollar, Singapore dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Malaysian dollar and Japanese Yen. 

Latest news about credit card in Myanmar as in November/2012 is that some credit cardholders are able to access cash at the following Automatic Teller Machines.

Bank Name                                         Accessible Cardholders

CB Bank (Cooperate Bank)                    Master Card, Maestro, Cirrus / Visa Card, Visa Electron, Plus Card / Union Pay Cash

KBZ Bank (Kanbawza Bank)                   Visa Card

All ATM Machines are available 24/7. It allows withdrawing maximum amount of Kyats 300,000 per transaction. The fee is 5,000Kyats per transaction. One can withdraw maximum Kyats 1,000,000 per day.