Myanmar has a rich and intense history stretching back to times of Pyu dynasty which prospered for a 1000 years from 200 BC to 900 AD.

The first Myanmar Empire which was established in Bagan by King Anawrahta in the 11th century. This civilisation lasted of over 200years and was replaced by the second Empire of King Bayinnaung in the 16th century. In 1824 began a number of wars between the Kingdom of Myanmar and the British Empire. These wars culminated in 1885 with the overthrow, by the British, of the last King and the beginning of colonialisation for the next 60 years. During WW2 Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 -1945 and in 1948 Myanmar was freed from British rule and became an independent country.

Myanmar is officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and borders Bangladesh, India in the west, China in the north, Laos and Thailand in the east and the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the south. The country covers a size of 676,578sq Kms.

Myanmar has three main seasons:

A hot season (from March to May)

Rainy season (from June to October)

Cold season (from November to February)

Main groups - Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan.

Population - more than 60 million

Nationality - Myanmar

Religions - Buddhism

Major language – Burmese

Myanmar currency is called the Kyat. There are no coins only notes ranging from 1 to 10,000 Kyats. Cash is still widely used however; credit cards are becoming popular in larger centers. It is recommended to carry a small amount of US Dollars. Euros and Singapore dollars can also be changed at banks and official money changers. No other foreign currencies are accepted.