ABOUT

Myanmar previously known as Burma is geographically the largest country in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by People's Republic of China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh and India.

It declared its independence from the United Kingdom on 4 January 1948. The Capital is Rangoon, otherwise known as Yangon.

Its main exports are Teak, pulses and beans, prawns, fish, rice, opiates, oil and gas. Sites of interest in Myanmar include ancient cities, archaeological sites, temples, zoological gardens, famous Buddhist sites and the Lake of No Return.

CULTURE

A diverse range of indigenous cultures exist in Burma, the majority culture is primarily Buddhist and Bamar. These cultures can be seen in language, cuisine, music, dance and theatre.

In a traditional village, the monastery is the centre of cultural life. Burmese culture is most evident in villages where local festivals are held throughout the year, the most important being the pagoda festival.

Myanmar's traditional culture is an amalgam of folk and royal culture. Buddhism has been a part of Myanmar's culture since the 1st century AD and has blended with non-Buddhist beliefs.

The most conspicuous manifestation of Buddhist culture is the magnificent architecture and sculpture of Myanmar's many temples and monasteries. British colonial rule also introduced Western elements of culture to Burma. Burma's educational system is modelled after that of the United Kingdom.

Wood carving, lacquer work, gold work, silver work, and the sculpting of Buddhist images and mythological figures also survived during colonial rule; there has been a revival of these indigenous art traditions under government patronage.

CLIMATE

RELIGION

The major religion is Buddhist 89% other religions are Christian 4% and Muslim 4%, 3% other.

SPORTS

Similar to many other countries, Football is the most famous and popular sport in Myanmar. Everybody likes to play football and everybody loves to watch the football games and competitions.

The level and position of the Myanmar National Football Team was at the top in the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games in the year 1960s and 1970s, with the achievements of 5 times consecutive champions in the SEAP Games during those periods, and also the Asian Champions in the 1966, 5th Asian Games (Thailand) and in the 1970, 6th Asian Games (Thailand), which qualified for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games and participated in the Olympic Football Competitions.

Besides Football, other sports like Athletics, Weightlifting, Sepaktakraw, Traditional Boat Race, Canoe/ Kayak, Rowing, Wushu, Shooting, Boxing, Volleyball etc. are also famous and popular sports which are practiced by many of the young athletes.

Myanmar traditional sports include Chinlon or Caneball, Boxing, Wrestling (Kyin Wrestling played by Rakhine ethnics group and Chin Wrestling played by Chin ethnics group), Tug of War and Kiting.

GAMES HOST