Burma

Burma (Myanmar), one of the most exotic countries in the world, is well-known as the Golden Land, not only for its ancient cultural and magnificent heritages, but for the land of its rich natural resources and diversity of beautiful attractions, combines with a most gracious and hospitable people.

Burma has an early civilization, a long and exciting history dating back to the 500 B.C. (Thuwannabhumi - Thaton) and to the 1st century, with archaeological evidences of the Pyu Kingdoms of Beikthano (Vishu) during 1st - 5th centuries A.D., Thayekhittaya (Srikshetra) during 1st. - 9th. Centuries A.D. and Halin (Hanlin) during 3 rd. - 9th. Centuries A.D..

Only when King Anawratha unified the country and founded The First Empire with its capital in Bagan in the early 11th. Century, Burma's cultural and civilization reached its full bloom since then. The empire lasted till the end of 13th. Century, producing glourious a civilization, whose monuments still exist. The Bagan Empire was more than 20 years before the Norman conquest of England in 1066. The Second Empire was founded by the King Bayinnaung in the middle of the 16th. century with its capital in Hanthawady ( Bago). The Last Burmese Empire was established by the King Alaunnpaya in 1752, and had a number of capitals, the last being Mandalay. At the zenith of this empire, the British annexed Burma in three stages, in 1825, 1852 and 1885 and became a British colony. In 1942 the Japanese occupied Burma till the Allied Forces returned in 1945.

Burma regained its long last sovereignity and independence on 4th. January 1948 after more than 100 years under the colonial regime. With the population of some 45 million, Burma is the union of many different, over 135 ethnic groups are living together with their own traditions and speaking their own dialects. The majority, about 69% of the population are Bamas, with the other major ethnic races are Shan , Kachin, Kayin, Kayah, Chin, Mon, Rakhine who live in seven states and seven divisions in Burma. English is widely understood and the Burmese people are more than willing to practise their English with you.

Yangon (Rangoon), the capital city, is the gateway to Burma and has a population of nearly 5 million. Over 80% of Burma embrace Theravada Buddhism and the rest practice Christianity, Islam, Hinduism or Animism. 

Burma as a tourist destination is just beginning to flower, so it is a terrific opportunity to get it right and not make the mistakes of neighboring countries. Tourism can be an instrument of both improvement and destination.