At-A-Glance

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Official name: Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Term for citizens: Burmese

Area: 676,578 km2 or 261,227 square miles

Population: Approximately 60 million

Capital: Naypyidaw

Major Cities: Yangon, Mandalay

Geography: Located in Southeast Asia, sharing borders with India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand. The main river in Myanmar is the Irrawaddy River.

Regions/States: Divided into 14 administrative regions/states as follows: Kachin State, Kayah State, Kayin State, Chin State, Mon  State, Rakhine State, Shan State, Sagaing Region, Tanintharyi Region, Bago Region, Magway Region, Yangon Region and Ayeyarwady Region.

Ethnic Groups: Approximately around 135 distinct ethnic groups in Myanmar, but the main 9 ethnic groups are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine, Shan and Burmese Indians.

Government: Unitary presidential constitutional republic. Current President: Thein Sein

Language: Burmese is the official language, but there are many dialects spoken by the ethnic minorities of Myanmar, such as Karen, Chin, Shan, Rakhine, etc.

Climate: Three seasons: Hot (March to May), Rainy (June to October), Cool (November to February)

Currency: Kyat

Religion: Theravada Buddhism is practiced by the majority, but other religions such as Christianity and Islam are also present.

Education: Operated by the Ministry of Education. Traditional education system includes basic education primary, middle and high schools. The school uniform at government schools for both teachers and students are white top and green bottoms. There are also four prominent international schools – The International School Yangon (ISY), Crane International School Yangon (CISM), Yangon International School (YIS), and International School of Myanmar (ISM).

Life expectancy at birth: 65 (2010) 

GDP: $82.679 billion

Economy: Major agricultural product is rice. Myanmar is also known for precious stones such as sapphires, pearls, jade and rubies.

Major Imports: Fabric, petroleum products and crude oil, fertilizer, plastics, machinery, transport equipment, cement and construction materials, food products and edible oil

Major Exports: Natural gas, wood products, pulses and beans, fish, rice, clothing, jade and gems

Per capita income: $1,324 

More general information about Myanmar can be obtained here through our lending library.