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Geography : Myanmar has
total area of 676,577 sq. km, it is twice the size of Vietnam and
about the size of United Kingdom and France combined.
Geographically, Myanmar is the largest country in South-East Asian
Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and
Thailand.
Climate : Myanmar enjoy a
tropical climate with three distinct seasons. The best time to visit
is from October till February. The dry season runs from mid-February to
mid-May,, when the humidity builds up before the rains begin. The
rainy season comes with the south west monsoon, which runs from
mid-May to mid-October. Temperature varies from 38°C to 19°C,
humidity from 82.8% to 66%.
Nationality : There are
altogether 135 groups of nationalities in Myanmar, which have been
coexisting with one another: Kachin, Kaya, Kayin, Chin,
Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan are regarded as the major groups. Among
them. Bamar is the majority : 69% of the total population of 55.4
million.
Language : Every group of
nationally speaks its own language or dialect. But the official
language is Myanmar, which is spoken all over the country. English
is also widely spoken and understood especially in the cities like
Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and so on.
Religion : Buddhism is the faith
of the majority. In fact, 80 % of the people profess Buddhism.
However, there is full freedom of worship for followers of other
religions, Thus, we find Christians, Muslims, Hindus and even
animists, living together peacefully in Myanmar. Myanmar lies on
crossroads of two of the world's great civilizations China and
India. Its culture is a blend of both interspersed with Myanmar
native traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence on
daily life of the Myanmar. The people have preserved the traditions
of close family ties, respect for the elders, reverence for Buddhism
and simple native dress. Myanmars are known for their simple
hospitality and friendliness.
Currency : The local currency is
the kyat (pronounced" chat"), which is divided into 1 00 pyas. Kyat
notes are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 45, 50, 90,
100, 200, 500 and 1000. As there are strict Foreign Exchange Control
Regulations, visitors are advised to change their foreign currencies
only at authorized moneychangers in banks, airport and hotels.
Foreign Exchange Certificates :
Foreign Exchange Certificates (F.E.C) are equivalent to US$. The
certificates, which are in US$ 1, US$ 5, US$ 10 and US$ 20
denominations, are accepted by hotels, tourist restaurants and as
payment of admission fees at museum and pagoda. US$ are accepted in
lieu of FEC. Travelers cheques exchanged in banks are given in FEC
equivalent.
Business Hours : Banks are open
Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM and Government offices on
weekdays only from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Shops are generally open
longer but their hours vary.
Airport Departure Tax : US$ 10.
Reconfirmation : Visitors are
advised to reconfirm international flights before going upcountry.
Customs : At the port of entry,
all foreign currencies, jewellery, electrical and electronic
articles and cameras must be declared to a customs officer. Export
of antiques and archaeological objects is prohibited.
Sight-seeing : Entrance fees are
collected at well-known pagodas, temples, monasteries, museums,
palaces, and archaeological sites. The ticket office is at the
entrance.
Shopping : You are advised to
buy gems, jewellery and silverware at the Myanmar Gems shop and
other authorized shops, where you will be given a voucher with a
permit for export. Ignore touts who may offer guide services,
foreign currency exchange or gems of a doubtful nature.
Duty Free Shopping : There are
duty free shops in the airport arrival and departure lounges. The
duty free allowance is two bottles of liquor, two cartons of
cigarette, 100 cigars and half a liter of perfume.
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