It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. It would be difficult to dispel ignorance unless there is freedom to pursue the truth unfettered by fear. With so close a relationship.... Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, 2006.
The Union of Myanmar is the largest country by geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia or Indochina and the 40th-largest in the world, with a total area of 678,500 sq km and a population of about 56 million. It is bordered to the northwest by Chittagong Division of Bangladesh and Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh of India to the northwest. It shares its longest borders with Tibet to the north and Yunnan of China to the northeast. It is bounded by Laos and Thailand to the southeast. To this day, mystical Myanmar remains one of the most puzzling and undiscovered destinations in the world.
'Myanmar' is the local short form of the name 'Myanmar Naingngandaw', the name used by the regime currently in power in the country. This regime is not recognised by many countries like the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, France and Canada which is why these countries refer to Myanmar as Burma, its erstwhile name.
Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar, still maintains its old world charm with wide tree lined avenues, tranquil lakes, and sublime turn of the century architecture. The magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the city skyline, while at ground level, Yangon is a paradise for a variety of exotic arts and craft. The many shops of Scott Market hold Myanmar’s precious stones – rubies, sapphires and jade, of world renown.
The principal cultural and economic city of upper Myanmar, and former royal capital, Mandalay has not lost its ties with history. The royal palace is at the base of Mandalay Hill. Situated on the banks of the mighty Ayeryarwaddy River, Mandalay lies within easy striking distance of former colonial hill stations, ancient cities and other cultural attractions. Cities of note are Bagan, Ngapali and Inle, among others.
Myanmar is ethnically diverse. There are at least 108 different ethno-linguistic groups in
in Myanmar, consisting mainly of distinct Tibeto-Myanmari peoples. 89% of the country's population is Buddhist. Some ethnic minorities such as the Muslim Rohingyas, who have had their citizenship status denied and therefore do not have access to education, and Christians in Chin State face religious opposition, one of the many human rights charges levelled against it by Western nations. The Suu Kyi issue is hopefully close to resolution as it has cost Myanmar a lot of goodwill and much-needed aid. The country is the poorest nation in southeastern Asia.
Its international airline, Myanmar Airways International operates the Airbus A320, Airbus A319 and Boeing 737-400 aircraft to multiple destinations. There are four private domestic airlines in Myanmar: Myanmar Airways, Air Bagan, Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways. Its road network is good, with its highways in decent shape. Its rail network spans some 6,000 km and is in good nick.
Myanmar has a number of high-quality hotels, but occupancy levels are low due to a poor tourism industry. Restaurants share the same fate. Its time is at UTC + 6.30 hours.
The currency in use is the Myanmar Kiat (MMK) and the exchange rate is 1US $=6.5 MMK.
