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| Myanmar |
| About Myanmar Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, had many names; once Suvanabhomi (Golden Land), later as Amarapura (Land of Immortality), and also as Yadanarbon (Land of Gems). You have to find out why. Besides, international scientists recently rewrote history that Pondaung in Myanmar is the earliest home of mankind. Myanmar is as large as twice the size of Germany. Its 135 ethnic groups add up to a population of 50 million. With 1200-year old language and amazing culture, Myanmar is no less exotic than the bordering China, India, and Thailand. We welcome you to visit this wonderland. Full country name: Union of Myanmar (Burma became Myanmar in 1989 after the State Law and Order Restoration Council decided that the old name implied the dominance of Burmese culture; the Burmese are just one of the many ethnic groups in the country) Area: 671,000 sq km (416,020 sq mi) Population: 50 million (growth rate 2.1%) Capital city: Yangon (Rangoon) (pop 4 million) People: 65% Burmese, 10% Shan, 7% Karen, 4% Rakhine and Chin, Kachin, Mon, Chinese, Indian and Assamese minorities Language: Burmese, also Karen, Chin, Shan and Kachin dialects Religion: 87% Theravada Buddhist, 5% Christian, 4% Muslim, 3% animist Government: Military council Prime Minister: General Khin Nyunt GDP: US $ 67 billion GDP per head: US $ 1500 Annual growth: 1.1% Inflation: 30% Major products/industries:teak, rice, jute and illegal opium poppies Major trading partners: Singapore, Thailand, China, Japan, India |
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