Myanmar, also known as Burma, is an Asian country situated in the southeast part of Asia. Rangoon is another popular name of this country. The official language of Myanmar is Burmese. The population of Myanmar is around 55.4 million, and the area is 676,575 square km.
Myanmar is a large country with a comparatively small population. There are many amazing facts about Myanmar that make this country unique. Naypyidaw city is the modern capital of Myanmar, which replaced the old capital Yangon in 2006. The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the famous Buddhist temples of Myanmar.
Profile of Myanmar
Myanmar, also known as Burma, is part of Southeast Asia. On January 4, 1948, the nation became an independent republic as a result of the Burma Independence Act, 1947. The profile of Myanmar is listed below.
S. No. | ||
1 | Continent | Asia |
2 | Capital City | Naypyidaw City |
3 | Independent Day | January 4, 1948 |
4 | Current President | Myint Swe (Acting) |
5 | Current Prime Minister | Min Aung Hlaing |
6 | Official Language | Burmese |
7 | Currency | Kyat |
8 | Neighbour Countries | China, India, Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh |
National Identity Element of Myanmar
S. No. | Identity Element | Name |
1 | National Animal | Guardian Lions (Chinthe) |
2 | National Bird | The Green Peafowl (Daung) |
3 | National Tree | Padauk Tree |
4 | National Song | Saung Gauk |
5 | National Sport | Chinlone |
6 | National Food | Mohinga |
7 | National Flower | Padauk |
Shwedagon Pagoda and Sea Gypsies
The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous temples of Myanmar. The Shwedagon Pagoda is a Buddhist temple situated in the Yangon city, the old capital of Myanmar. According to historians and the people of Myanmar, this temple was constructed 2,600 years ago. In the 11th century, the King of Pagan Empire, King Anawrahta, started the construction of this temple. Along with the most important religious monument of Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a beautiful golden pagoda, which is covered in gold from top to bottom.
Myanmar is not only known for so many beautiful temples, but also the sea gypsies of Myanmar that are a prominent attraction. Sea gypsies are the Moken or a group of people that are born, live and die on their boats. They live in their boats only in the monsoon season for a 3-month period. The Tanintharyi coast of Southern Myanmar is the home of the sea gypsies of Myanmar. The Moken are masters in many techniques to deal with deadly sea creatures and live by eating the fishes and other sea creatures.
Bark Paste or Thanaka Paste
In Myanmar, males, females, and kids apply the bark paste on their skins. This paste is known as Burma’s Thanaka paste, as it is made from the Thanaka tree. This bark paste is mainly famous among Burmese females, especially the younger ones. They believe that this paste makes the skin smoother and glowing.
The bark paste helps to protect the skin from the Sun and keep it cooler. To make this bark paste, the bark is ground to a powder, which is then mixed to a paste with water. The fragrance of this paste is similar to the fragrance of sandalwood.
Geography of Myanmar
Myanmar is the largest country of Southeast Asia area wise with an area of 676,575 square km. Around 96.94% of the total area of Myanmar is covered by land, and 3.06% of the area is covered by water. The population of Myanmar is about 55.4 million. Myanmar is known as the land of hills and valleys. The famous geographical elements of Myanmar are listed below.
Mountain Ranges | The Arakan Yoma Range, The Bago Yoma Range, The Shah Plateau. |
Rivers | Irrawaddy River Chindwin River Salween River Sittaung River |
Water fall | Forest Star Waterfall Dee Doke Falls |
Islands | The Great Coco Island The Mergui Island |
Amazing Facts About Myanmar
- The major religion followed in Myanmar is Theravada Buddhism. The main religions of this country are Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Islam, and Christianity.
- The largest city of Myanmar is Yangon, in which the famous Shwedagon Pagoda temple is situated.
- The country was earlier known as Burma until 1989. The military Junta renamed it Myanmar in the same year.
- The capital of Myanmar was changed from Yangon to Naypyidaw in 2006.
- In Myanmar, both men and women wear sarongs, popularly known as lungyi. It is the traditional dress of Myanmar.
- Myanmar is the largest country in Southeast Asia.
- Myanmar is called the land of temples and pagodas. There are mainly Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins.
- The national sport of Myanmar is chinlone. The unique thing about this sport is that it is a mixture of game, dance, and martial art.
- One-leg fishing is famous in Myanmar. The fishermen of Myanmar use the technique of one-leg fishing for catching the fish and rowing the boat at the same time.
Conclusion
Myanmar is the largest country in Southeast Asia. The country is called the “Golden Land,” as it has many beautiful golden temples, such as Shwedagon Pagoda and other calming spots to experience peace of mind. There are many beaches and Buddhist temples, which make Myanmar an incredibly beautiful country.