Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. The capital is Naypyidaw, and the largest city is Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon). The official language is Burmese.

Myanmar is a country with a diverse cultural heritage, including numerous ethnic groups and languages. The country's culture has been influenced by neighboring countries such as India and China, as well as its history as a former British colony.

Myanmar's economy is based on agriculture, with rice being the country's most important crop. The country also has significant mineral resources, including oil, natural gas, and precious stones. Myanmar has been undergoing economic and political reforms since 2011, following decades of military rule and isolation.

Myanmar is a presidential republic, with the president serving as the head of state and government. The country has a complex political system, with a military-dominated parliament and a civilian government. Myanmar has a diverse media landscape, but freedom of expression remains restricted, and the country has faced criticism for human rights abuses, particularly against ethnic minorities.

Myanmar is home to a number of important historical and cultural landmarks, including the ancient city of Bagan and the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. The country also has a rich literary and artistic tradition, with a number of notable writers, poets, and musicians.

Myanmar faces a number of challenges, including poverty, ethnic conflict, and environmental degradation. The country is committed to addressing these issues, with a focus on promoting economic development, peace and stability, and democratic governance.

National holiday
Independence Day, 4 January (1948); Union Day, 12 February (1947)

Telephone Code
95

Local Emergency Phone
999

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April)

Currency (Code)
Kyats (MMK)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C, D, G, I

Major Languages
Burmese; note: minority ethnic groups use their own languages

Major Religions
Buddhist 87.9%, Christian 6.2%, Muslim 4.3%, animist 0.8%, Hindu 0.5%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon; Temples of Bagan; Inle Lake; Bogyoke Aung San Museum; Shwenandaw Monastery; Mandalay Royal Palace; Mandalay Hill; Pyu ancient cities (includes Halin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra)

Major Sports
Soccer, golf

Cultural Practices
It is impolite to sit on a chair with one's legs crossed, especially for women.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is not a common practice, but guides and drivers do expect to be tipped. Tipping guides $2-5 (USD) per person per day is customary; drivers should receive $1-2 (USD) per day.

Souvenirs
Bamboo and lacquer items, silk, loose gem stones, jewelry, jade items, especially Buddha figures; marionettes

Traditional Cuisine
Mohinga — a fish and rice noodle soup enriched with a variety of ingredients either added to the soup or used as a dressing or garnish

Geography
Area
total: 676,578 sq km
land: 653,508 sq km
water: 23,070 sq km

Climate
tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September); less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast monsoon, December to April)

Natural resources
petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower, arable land

People and Society
Population
57,970,293 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Burman (Bamar) 68%, Shan 9%, Karen 7%, Rakhine 4%, Chinese 3%, Indian 2%, Mon 2%, other 5%

Languages
Burmese (official)

Religions
Buddhist 87.9%, Christian 6.2%, Muslim 4.3%, Animist 0.8%, Hindu 0.5%, other 0.2%, none 0.1% (2014 est.)

Population growth rate
0.75% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Rangoon (aka Yangon, continues to be recognized as the primary Burmese capital by the US Government); Nay Pyi Taw is the administrative capital

Economy
Economic overview
prior to COVID-19 and the February 2021 military coup, massive declines in poverty, rapid economic growth, and improving social welfare; underdevelopment, climate change, and unequal investment threaten progress and sustainability planning; since coup, foreign assistance has ceased from most funding sources

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$216.948 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$4,000 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
rice, sugar cane, beans, vegetables, milk, maize, poultry, groundnuts, fruit, plantains

Industries
agricultural processing; wood and wood products; copper, tin, tungsten, iron; cement, construction materials; pharmaceuticals; fertilizer; oil and natural gas; garments; jade and gems

Exports
$17.523 billion (2019 est.)

Exports - partners
China 24%, Thailand 24%, Japan 7%, Germany 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
natural gas, clothing products, rice, copper, dried legumes (2019)

Imports
$17.356 billion (2019 est.)

Imports - partners
China 43%, Thailand 15%, Singapore 12%, Indonesia 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, broadcasting equipment, fabrics, motorcycles, packaged medicines (2019)