Myanmar.
Myanmar is the name which has long been
use by its people to describe their home land
which the British call Burma. It is also known
as the Golden Land not only for is golden
pagodas but for its rich land and the wealth of
its agriculture and precious minerals.
Geographically, Myanmar is the largest country
in South East Asia Peninsular sharing borders
with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and
Thailand. It has a total area of 675, 577 square
kilometers and is twice the size of Vietnam and
about the size of United Kingdom and France
combined.
Climate.
Myanmar has three seasons. The cold season is
from October to February with average
temperatures of between 20- 24 C. The hot season
is from March to May with average temperatures
of between 30- 35 C. The wet season is occurs
from June to September with average temperature
of between 25- 30 C- Yangon normally receive
early morning and afternoon showers while rain
fall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low. The
weather around Inle Lake and Shan State is
pleasant year round, but cold at night from
December to February.
Religion.
Teravada Buddhism is the predominant religion
with over 80% of the people embracing it. There
are also Christian, Muslims, Hindus and some
animists.
Culture.
Myanmar lies on the cross- road of two of the
world's great civilization – China and India,
but its culture is neither that of India nor
China exclusively, but a blend of both
interspersed with Myanmar native traits and
characteristics. The people have preserved the
traditional close family ties, respect for the
elders and reverence for Buddhism. Myanmar are
contented and cheerful even in the face of
adversities and known for their simple
hospitality and friendliness.
Health.
The same precautions are the same as anywhere
else- Drink only bottle and do not eat raw
vegetable, only eat fruits that you can peel of
cut your self. Be wary of eating food from
streets stall. Use insect repellent when
necessary and use sunscreen liberally when
exposed to the intense, tropical sun.
Dress.
Cotton clothing and a light wrap for the evening
during the cool season are recommended. Do not
wear shorts, tank tops or sleeveless blouses
when visiting temple. Dress modestly at all
times- revealing clothing is frowned upon in
Myanmar. Footwear must be removed before
entering a temple.
Visas.
Tourist and business visas are valid for 28
days. Tourist visas are non- extendible;
business visas may be extended for 28 days.
Transit visas are valid for 24 hours. Apply to a
Myanmar embassy or consulate, with four photos
and your passport. The cost of a tourist visa is
approximately US$20; the cost of a business visa
is approximately US$40.
Customs.
Besides personal effects visitors are allowed
400 cigarettes (100 cigars or 250g of unrolled
tobacco), two quarts of liquor and 500ml of
cologne or perfume. Cameras, radios, cassette
players, calculators etc must be declared at
Customs on arrival and taken out on departure.
Foreign currency in excess of US$ 2000 must be
declared. Retain a copy of the Customs
declaration form to be presented when you leave
Myanmar.
Airport Tax.
Airport tax is US$10 per head to be paid on
departure.
Time.
Myanmar Standard time (MST) is six hours and 30
minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC).
Electricity.
220 VOLT 50 HZ
Office Hours.
Government and business- 9:30 am to 4:30 pm,
Monday to Friday. Shops- 10:00 am to 9:00 pm,
usually Monday to Saturday.
