Everything you need to know about Myanmar: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Myanmar: South East Asian Buddhist Country ruled by a Military Junta
The French, Dutch and the British established their colonies in Burma by the mid-17th century. The Bamar king Alaungpaya threw out both the French and the British later in the century. Again in 1819 the British invaded Burma conquering Rahkine, Tanintharyi, Assam, and Manipur. By 1886 they annexed the entire country and made it a province of India and ruled it through the Raj. In 1948 Myanmar became an separate and self-governing state. Military General Ne Win ruled the Burma from 1962 to 1988. In 1990 Burma held multiparty legislative elections in which the main opposition party - the National League for Democracy (NLD) won a landslide victory but the military refused to accept the election result and put Aung San Suu Kyi the leader of NLD under house arrest.
Myanmar Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures
Geographical Information on Myanmar:
Myanmar is situated in Southeast Asia and bordered by China from north and northeast, by Laos and Thailand from the east and southeast by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal from the south and west by Bangladesh and India.
The climate of Myanmar is basically monsoon type with three main seasons. The hottest month is between February and May with little or no rain. Rainy season exists from May to October and October to February Myanmar has dry and cooler weather.
Culture, Cuisine and Tradition of Myanmar:The cuisine of Myanmar is heavily influenced by the cuisines of China, India and Thailand. In spite of theses influences cuisine of Myanmar still has its unique aspects. Seafood is more prevalent along coastal cities while the interior of Myanmar use Beef and pork as non-vegetarian dishes. The most common staple food in Myanmar is jasmine rice. Various types of noodles are commonly used in salads and soups.
Economy of Myanmar:
About 70% of the population works in agriculture and forestry and rice is the major agricultural output. Other important crops are pulses, sesame, peanuts, and sugarcane. The mineral resources like petroleum, natural gas and iron deposits are also found in Myanmar.
Tourist Attractions of Myanmar:
Myanmar is a major tourist destination due to its mystical, charming and religious places.
Bagan: is the main tourist attraction in Myanmar and known for its archaeological sites in Asia. It is located on the eastern bank of Irrawady River. The Pagodas of Bagan remain the center of attraction for tourists apart from top class lacquer ware.
Mandalay: often called as the showcase of Myanmar arts and architecture. The pagodas and age-old historical sites charm the person whoever visits this place. It is also famous for its woodcarvings, silverware, tapestries, silk cloth and other traditional craft products
Major Sight-seeing Places in Myanmar include:
Ramallah, May 24 (IANS) The Indian women's football team's dream of qualifying for the AFC Cup fell by the wayside as they went down fighting 1-2 to Chinese Taipei, who notched their second consecutive win, in a group D encounter at the Faisal Al Huseni Stadium here.
Ramallah, May 22 (IANS) It will be a do-or-die match for Indian women's football team when they face Chinese Taipei in their next group D match of the AFC Women's Asian Cup (qualifiers) here Wednesday.
Beijing, May 22 (Xinhua-ANI): The United States and Myanmar on Tuesday signed a trade and investment framework agreement, announced the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in a statement.
Beijing, May 22 (Xinhua-ANI): Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Myanmar from May 24 to 26 to boost bilateral economic ties, becoming the first prime minister to visit the Southeast Asian country in 36 years, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Wednesday.
West Bank, May 22 (IANS) Myanmar rode two first half goals from Naw Phaw and Khin Moe Wai to edge past India in their first Group D encounter of the AFC Women's Asian Cup football qualifiers at the Faisal Al Huseni Stadium here.
Itanagar, May 21 (ANI) I had predicted that China has already won the trade war against India, given that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sought better access to Bangladesh and Myanmar markets through infrastructure development in India's North East, even as the two countries agreed to maintain peace on the border.
Itanagar, May 21 (ANI) I had predicted that China has already won the trade war against India, given that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sought better access to Bangladesh and Myanmar markets through infrastructure development in India's North East, even as the two countries agreed to maintain peace on the border.
Yangon, May 21 (IANS) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will pay a state visit to Myanmar soon, an official announcement said here Tuesday.
Beijing, May 21 (IANS) Premier Li Keqiang's visit to India will contribute to regional economic development and integration, a Chinese daily said Tuesday.
Beijing, May 21 (IANS) A total of 812 drug crime suspects have been arrested as part of a joint anti-drug campaign launched by China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand on the trans-boundary river of Mekong, Xinhua reported.
Ramallah, May 20 (IANS) Indian women's football team will have to be at their best when they take on Myanmar, a higher ranked team, in their first match of the AFC Asian Cup (qualifiers) here Tuesday.
New Delhi, May 20 (IANS) India Monday asked China to provide greater market access to help lower the widening trade deficit that rose to $29 billion in 2012.
Washington, May 16 (IANS) US President Barack Obama will meet his Myanmarese counterpart Thein Sein here May 20 and discuss democracy building in the Southeast Asian nation, the White House said.
Yangon, May 15 (IANS) Two foreign coaches from China and South Korea will train Myanmar table tennis players in June this year as a preparation for the 27th SEA Games to be hosted in the country in December.
Suva, May 15 (IANS) India will take part in a five-day meet in Fiji where local and international sugar researchers will share information on "erianthus", a sugar hybrid, the government said Wednesday.
Bangkok, May 14 (IANS) Myanmar should take immediate action to evacuate to higher ground tens of thousands of Muslims displaced by ethnic cleansing in Arakan State in advance of a tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.
Bhubaneswar, May 13 (IANS) Odisha Monday advised fishermen to remain cautious while venturing into sea as gusty winds triggered by cyclonic storm 'Mahasen' would prevail along the coast.
Dhaka, May 12 (IANS) Maritime ports in Bangladesh were Sunday advised to take adequate precautionary measures as cyclone Mahasen originating in the southeast Bay of Bengal, moved slightly towards the northwest.
Aizawl, May 11 (IANS) At least eight people were killed and 11 were missing, while 25 others sustained injuries in Mizoram Saturday, when nine houses were swept away in a massive landslide, officials said.
New Delhi, May 11 (IANS) Stating that 2013, or the Chinese Year of the Snake, would be significant in India-China relations, External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said Saturday that during his talks in Beijing, both sides reaffirmed that incidents like the recent border incursion should not be allowed to come in the way of their larger relationship.
Bangkok, May 11 (IANS) Authorities in Myanmar should drop charges against ethnic Arakanese activists who took part in peaceful protests against Chinese-led oil and gas projects, Human Rights Watch said Saturday.
Yangon, May 10 (IANS) Myanmar is drafting a five-year sustainable plan to develop the country's dairy cattle breeding sector to which New Zealand government offered to render assistance, official media reported Friday.
Sydney, May 8 (ANI): The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has turned nasty over a result reversal of last month's Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group-II tie against New Zealand.
Yangon, May 6 (IANS) Former Manchester United players will play a friendly match against a Myanmar team in a charity event at Thuwunna stadium in Yangon next month.
Greater Noida, May 4 (IANS) India Friday asked the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the development of its planned industrial corridors especially the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), which is estimated to cost over $90 billion.
Yangon, May 3 (IANS) US basketball team Vission Sports will play against Myanmar's national basketball teams here July.
Beijing, May 2 (Xinhua-ANI): Myanmar President U Thein Sein has resigned as chairman of the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (UNDP) and his party post was replaced by its vice chairman U Shwe Mann, according to the party's Union Daily Thursday.
Aizawl, May 1 (IANS) Over 600 pigs have died from swine fever and about 12,200 have been infected in the past two months in Mizoram, officials said here Wednesday.
Islamabad, May. 1 (ANI): A US government-appointed panel has urged Washington to step up pressure on Pakistan over religious freedom, warning that risks to its minorities have reached a crisis level.
Beijing, Apr. 27 (Xinhua-ANI): The U.S. government was seeking ways and means to make investment in Myanmar, prioritizing the sectors that could bring improvement in daily of ordinary people, Acting U.S. Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis was quoted by local media as saying on Saturday.
Beijing, Apr. 25 (Xinhua-ANI): ASEAN leaders Thursday reaffirmed their full support for all efforts to bring about the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the early resumption of the Six-party Talks.
New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) The recent incursion by the Chinese army into Indian territory is a serious issue and the government must take it up at the top level, the BJP demanded Wednesday.
London, April 24 (IANS) Amid damning reports showing official Myanmar complicity in ethnically cleansing entire Muslim towns and villages, the world's foremost Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, has condemned the violence that has left hundreds dead and an estimated hundreds of thousands homeless.
Yangon, April 24 (IANS) Myanmar and Indonesia have signed four more cooperation accords following talks between Myanmar President U Thein Sein and visiting Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Nay Pyi Taw, official media reported Wednesday.
Beijing, April 23 (Xinhua-ANI): The EU has decided to lift its oil embargo on Syria, as well as its sanctions on Myannar. The decision was announced by European Union foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg. Andrew Dupuis has more.
Brussels, April 22 (IANS) The European Union (EU) decided Monday to lift sanctions against Myanmar, while keeping the arms embargo, reported Xinhua.
New Delhi, April 22 (IANS) Human Rights Watch Monday urged India to use its influence with Myanmar authorities to demand an end to attacks on Muslims there.
Yangon, April 21 (IANS) Foreign ministers of the European Union are to meet in Luxembourg Monday to decide on withdrawing all sanctions against Myanmar, exactly a year after the grouping announced suspension of most sanctions for a year except the arms embargo.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 21 (IANS) The central government has approved the introduction of visa-on-arrival (VoA) service at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi airports, a minister said Sunday.
Yangon, April 20 (IANS) At least 32 people were killed and 190 others injured during a water festival held on the occasion of the new year in Myanmar, state media reported Saturday.
Beijing, April 20 (IANS) China has said that an oil pipeline project in Myanmar will serve the mutual interest of both the countries.
Yangon, April 17 (IANS) The first batch of 11 Myanmar athletes Wednesday left here to undergo a three-month training in China in preparations for the 27th Southeast Asian Games to be hosted in Myanmar this year.
Hanoi, April 17 (IANS) Vietnam sent 32 karate martial artists to the Philippines for the second Southeast Asian Karatedo Championships to be held in Pampanga April 18-21.
New Delhi, April 15 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said Monday there was a declining trend in militant violence in the state.
Jaipur, April 15 (IANS) Indian authorities Monday said consultations were going on about allowing visas-on-arrival (VoAs) to citizens of around 10-16 countries, in addition to the present 11 nations.
Tokyo, April 13 (IANS) Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in Japan Saturday for a week-long visit, her first trip to the country in 27 years since she visited Japan in 1985 as a visiting scholar, media reported.
New Delhi, Apr. 12 (ANI): The Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme of the government for foreign tourists registered a growth of 63 percent during March 2013.
Imphal, Apr 12 (ANI): An eleven-member delegation from Myanmar recently visited Manipur to foster bilateral ties, with special emphasis on economic and diplomatic cooperation.
Yangon, April 11 (Xinhua-ANI): A moderate earthquake measuring 5. 5 on the Richter scale jolted northern Myanmar Thursday morning, according to Nay Pyi Taw Hydrology and Meteorology Department.
Yangon, April 11 (IANS) A moderate earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale jolted northern Myanmar Thursday morning, reports Xinhua.
Beijing, April 11 (IANS) Chinese government will spend 1 billion yuan (about $161 million) in 2013 to protect Sanjiangyuan, a region which serves as the source of China's three biggest rivers, Xinhua reported.
Yangon, April 10 (IANS) Myanmar's finance and revenue ministry Wednesday appointed two foreign companies as sponsorship management consultant for upcoming 27th Southeast Asian Games to be held in Myanmar later this year.
Yangon, April 9 (IANS) The UN Development Program (UNDP) has pledged to give $150 million development aid to Myanmar under a country program action plan for 2013-15, official media reported Tuesday.
Yangon, April 8 (IANS) The Myanmar government has turned former UN secretary general U Thant's residence in Yangon to a museum, official media reported Monday.
Yangon, April 7 (Xinhua-ANI): The Government of Myanmar has voiced concern over Friday's death of eight Myanmar nationals and injury of two in a violent clash in an immigration detention camp in Medan, Indonesia, official media reported Sunday.
Yangon, April 6 (IANS) Myanmar will host the Davis Cup Asia/Oceania Group III and IV ties here later this month.
Sanya (China), April 6 (IANS) Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Myanmar counterpart U Thein Sein have held talks in China's southern city of Sanya and pledged to boost the "all-round" cooperation between the two countries.
Bangkok, April 5 (Xinhua-ANI): Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Friday that Myanmar authority has contacted Thai authority over 13 Myanmar soldiers killed in Myanmar territory near western border province of Ranong of Thailand.
Jakarta, April 5 (Xinhua-ANI): Eight people were killed and 15 others injured in a violent fighting among Myanmar asylum-seekers at an immigration detention center in Medan city in north Sumatra, Indonesia early Friday morning, a local official said.
Singapore, April 4 (IANS) Singapore is aiming to enhance economic ties with Myanmar by opening an overseas centre in Yangon to facilitate trade and investment, it was announced Thursday.
Yangon, April 3 (IANS) Myanmar and Indonesia are making efforts to promote the trade volume, which is targeted to reach up to $1 billion in 2016, official media reported Wednesday.
Yangon, April 2 (IANS) As many as 13 children were killed in a fire that broke out at a school in a mosque in Yangon's Botataung township Tuesday, authorities said.
Yangon, April 1 (IANS) Four private daily newspapers started temporary publication Monday, signifying the re-introduction of private daily newspapers in the Southeast Asian nation after a gap of five decades.
Washington, Mar. 29 (ANI): Myanmar's army chief marked Armed Forces Day by saying the military will continue to play a political role during the country's transition to democracy.
Yangon, March 29 (IANS) Myanmar President U Thein Sein has warned of using force as a last resort to suppress the current rioting in the country and protect people.
Manila, March 27 (IANS) The Philippines defeated Turkmenistan 1-0 to earn a spot in next year's Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in the Maldives.
Hanoi, March 27 (IANS) The Vietnam women's national football team retained its 30th position in the latest FIFA rankings for the first quarter of the year.
Bangkok, March 27 (IANS) The Myanmar government is systematically restricting humanitarian aid and imposing discriminatory policies on Rohingya Muslims, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday.
New Delhi, March 26 (IANS) Former Ryder Cup star Oliver Wilson will aim to replicate his European form on Asian soil when he tees off at the $300,000 Panasonic Open India at Delhi Golf Club April 4-7.
Yangon, March 26 (IANS) The death toll in a communal riot in Myanmar has risen to 40, according to an official media report Tuesday.
Yangon, March 25 (IANS) Myanmar police have arrested 18 suspects in connection with a riot that killed at least 32 people and which left over 9,600 homeless, the information ministry said.
Bangkok, March 24 (IANS) More than 60 refugees from Myanmar have been killed and over 100 others wounded in a fire that engulfed a refugee camp in Thailand, a media report said.
New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) India said Saturday it is ready to extend assistance to relief efforts in Myanmar where clashes between Buddhists and Muslims have led to at least 20 deaths in the past two days.
Yangon, March 23 (IANS) Myanmar's largest Mandalay International Airport will be upgraded, a media report said Saturday.
Bangkok, March 22 (IANS) At least 30 people were killed and many others injured Friday as a blaze raged through a Myanmarese refugee camp in Thailand, a media report said.
Yangon, March 22 (IANS) A state of emergency was declared Friday in four townships of Meikhtila district in northern Myanmar as 10 people were killed and 45 others injured in riots that began Wednesday, media reports said.
Yagon, March 22 (Xinhua-ANI): Myanmar President U Thein Sein declared a state of emergency in four townships in Meikhtila District of Myanmar's northern Mandalay region as riot escalated after its outbreak on Wednesday, according to state-run radio and television Friday.
Shillong, March 21 (IANS) India's former ambassador to South Korea Skand Ranjan Tayal Thursday said the time was favourable to conceptualise and implement a regional approach involving India, Myanmar and Bangladesh for the growth of north-eastern states.
Kuala Lumpur, March 21 (IANS) The member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should further boost investment to weather uncertainties of the current global economic climate, said its deputy secretary-general Lim Hong Hin Thursday.
Kuala Lumpur, March 18 (IANS) Asian Tour stars Gaganjeet Bhullar and Kiradech Aphibarnrat believe they can raise their game to greater heights after missing the chance to win the Avantha Masters in India Sunday.
Canberra, March 18 (IANS) Australia announced Monday that it will increase aid to Myanmar.
Yangon, March 18 (Xinhua-ANI): The Myanmar government has simplified procedures for people to obtain passport for leaving the country, canceling submission of education clearance for the application as part of the efforts in its administration reform, local media reported Monday.
Agartala, March 16 (IANS) India's borders with China and Myanmar are stable and peaceful and there are no immediate threats on these frontiers, Lt. Gen. A.K. Sahni, General Officer Commanding 3 Corps, said here Saturday.
Kuala Lumpur, March 15 (IANS) The Asian Tour stars are aiming to uphold an impressive winning tradition when the $2.75 million Malaysian Open gets underway at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club next week.
New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) Despite an unimpressive performance in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup qualifiers, India jumped 24 places and are ranked 143 in the latest FIFA rankings released Thursday.
Agartala/Aizawl, March 13 (IANS) Assam Rifles said Wednesday that the biggest ever haul of weapons in Mizoram came from Myanmar.
New Delhi, March 12 (IANS) Legends have blasted the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the national team's dismal performance in the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers earlier this month.
Greater Noida, March 12 (IANS) Sri Lanka's Mithun Perera hopes his wish of winning his first Asian Tour title will come true when the 1.8 million euro Avantha Masters gets underway at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course here Thursday.
Yangon, March 12 (IANS) A Myanmar commission, led by opposition leader and parliamentarian Aung San Suu Kyi, has proposed that a copper mining project in which a Chinese company has a stake should go on.
Beijing, March 11 (IANS) A foreign ministry spokeswoman Monday confirmed the appointment of a former senior diplomat as special representative on Asian affairs.
New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) India and Myanmar, that have a shared history and a long border between them, will interact more closely at the business and intelligentsia level following the visit of a multi-think tank delegation from India to that country.
Greater Noida, March 11 (IANS) Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol is eager to build on his early success in Myanmar with a second Asian Tour victory at the Avantha Masters which starts Thursday.
Yangon (Myanmar), March 11 (IANS) Myanmar will hold the ninth Kite Show and Contest at Kyaikkasan Sports Grounds here this month.
Yangon, March 10 (IANS) Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was Sunday re-elected leader of Myanmar's main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD).
Greater Noida, March 10 (IANS) Asian Tour's leading players are set to reignite their battle with their rivals from the European Tour when the Avantha Masters tees off at the Jaypee Greens Golf Course next week.
Yangon, March 9 (IANS) Tiger Myanmar Amateur Open Golf Championship will be held here this month.
Yangon, March 9 (IANS) Myanmar and the US have vowed to cooperate in a wide range of sectors, official media reported Saturday.
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), Mar.7 (ANI): The Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, which was in the limelight for an attack on former Chief Wildlife Warden J.L. Singh on March 12 last year, is under the constant vigil of a protection force that is diligently seeking to prevent all illegal activity.
Yangon, March 7 (IANS) The Central Bank of Myanmar has allowed three private companies to open foreign exchange counters in the country in addition to those run by private banks, official media reported Thursday.
Yangon, March 6 (IANS) India's qualifying hopes for the AFC Challenge Cup 2014 finals suffered a huge set-back Wednesday as they went down 0-1 to hosts Myanmar in their last qualifying match in Group A at the Yangon Youth Training Centre here Wednesday.
