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Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is recognized by the world as the Golden Land. It is one of the earliest homes of mankind, where one can have exclusive experiences of a life-time. Why called "The Golden Land"? Gold is the most precious metal and Burmese love gold. Gold is used in every where such as pagoda, monasteries, accessories of the nobles, and so on. Most pagodas in Myanmar are covered with gold leaves. Location Myanmar is situated in Southeast Asia and is bordered on the north and northeast by
China; on the east and southeast by Laos and Thailand; on the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal; and on the west by Bangladesh and India. ( http://www.myanmars.net/myanmar/golden-land.htm ) Climate Population Myanmar's (Burma) population is estimated at over 47 million, with the population density being 70 persons per sq km. Roughly three quarters of the population are rural inhabitants, with the remaining population living in urban Yangon, Mandalay and Moulmein. About two thirds of Myanmar's population is Burman (ethnically close to Tibetans and Chinese) with other minorities making up the other third. Languages The major language is Myanmar, but minority ethnic groups have their own languages. English is widely spoken and understood. Economy Burma has a mixed economy with private activity dominant in agriculture light industry and transport and with substantial state-controlled activity mainly in energy heavy industry and the rice trade. According to UN/ESCAP (2009), the agricultural economy is the most important sector in Myanmar and contributes 42 per cent of the country's GDP and 70 per cent of its labour force. (http://www.thaipr.net) Government policy in the last nine years 1989-97 has aimed at revitalizing the economy after three decades of tight central planning. Thus, private activity has markedly increased; foreign investment has been encouraged so far with moderate success; and efforts continue to increase the efficiency of state enterprises. Published estimates of Burma's foreign trade are greatly understated because of the volume of black-market trade. A major ongoing problem is the failure to achieve monetary and fiscal stability. Although Burma remains a poor Asian country, its rich resources furnish the potential for substantial long-term increases in income exports and living standards. With a view to future economic growth, a third five-year short term plan (2001/2002 to 2005/2006) with a targeted average annual growth rate of (6%) is in the course of implementation. Exports and imports increased during 1988/89 and 2000/2001 registering from US$ 320 million to US$ 1,977 million for exports and from US$ 541 million to US$ 2,483 million for imports. Myanmar has been trading mainly with Asian countries. During the year 1998/99, trade with Asia (including Japan) accounted for 71.9 percent of total exports and 93.9 percent of total imports. Myanmar's development endeavours gained further momentum and in 1999-2000 the GDP grew by 10.9 percent. ( http://www.mofa.gov.mm/aboutmyanmar/cep.html ) Currency Myanmar currency is known as "Kyat". International Dialing Code for Myanmar is +95 |
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