Myanmar - Useful information for your trip

Myanmar, also named Burma or Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is a country in South-eastern Asia. It occupies a portion of the Indochinese peninsula, forming an uninterrupted coastline along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. It's considered as a developing country and its capital city is Naypyidaw. 

Its territory can be divided into five areas: the mountains in the north, those to the west, the plateau in the east, the coastline and the central basin. The northern mountains form part of the Himalaya, while to the east lies Shan plateau, arid in the northern part and covered in tropical forests in the south. The climate is strongly influenced by monsoons on the coasts, with high temperatures and heavy rainfalls in the summer, while in winter, thanks to the winds, temperatures are cold and dry. Occasionaly Myanmar is subject to typhoons, especially in the rainy season from April to October.

Forests cover almost 50% of Burmese territory, offering various kinds of fine wood, such as teak. Rubber, bamboo, mangroves, palms, oak trees, pine trees and rhododendrons also grow. The wildlife includes tigers, leopards, elephants, bisons, boars, parrots, pheasants and tapirs.

As far as economy is concerned, Myanmar is one of the poorest nations in the world. The agricultural sector employs over 60% of the population and rice is the main agricultural product. In the north-eastern mountains opium plantations are also common. There are also several oil and natural gas reserves.

Tourism is growing thanks to the rich artistic legacy of the country, with its temples, monasteries and funeral monuments. Among the most interesting sites to visit are Shwedagon Paya in Yangon, built over 2,500 years ago and sorrounded by many small temples, Mandalay hill, Mingun, the ancient royal city, the temples in Bagan and splendid lake Inle. And then again, U Bein bridge, the only access to the ancient capital city of Amarapura, mount Kyaiktiyo, Ngapali beach and incredible river Ayeyarwaddy.