Historical Background
The first known people who live in Myanmar (formerly called Burma) were the Mon. They shared a culture with the Khmer, a people who lived in the Kindom of Khamer (now Cambodia). The Mon moved into the Myanmar region as early as 3000 B.C. and settled near the mouths of the Thanlwin and Sittaung rivers. The peoples who came later migrated from an area in central Asia that is now southwestern China. The Pyu arrived in the A.D. 600's. The Bamars, Chin, Kachin, Karen, and Shan came during the 800's. Most of these peoples lived apart from one another and kept their own cultures.
In 1044, King Anawrahta, a Myanmar ruler, united the region and founded the First Myanmar Empire, that lasted nearly 250 years. The kingdom's capital, Bagan, lay on the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River in the central part of the country. The Myanmars adopted features of the Mon and Pyu cultures, including Theravada Buddhism. Mongol invaders led by Kublai Khan captured Bagan in 1287, shattering the kingdom.
A new Myanmar kingdom arose as the Second Myanmar Empire founded by King Bayintnaung at Taungoo during the 1500's. It was brought down by a Mon rebellion in 1752. The Third and last Myanmar Empire was founded by king Alaungpaya after the Mon rebellion. Three Wars with the British-triggered by Myanmar's resistance to Britain's commercial and territorial ambitions-led to the kingdom's collapse. The first war was fought from 1824 to 1826, the second in 1852, and the third in 1885. With these wars, the British gradually annexed the whole country to its empire and named the country Burma.
In 1942, Japan occupied Myanmar. Young Myanmar nationals formed Burma Independence Army with the help of the Japanese and drove the British out of Burma. Through the dislike of the Japanese rule, a group of Myanmar university students, led by General Aung San, formed a league called Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League (AFPFL) to fight the Japanese and they helped Britain and Allied powers regain Burma in 1945 and return to power. Because of the overwhelming role of the AFPFL, which had become a strong political party, and the struggle in various forms by the whole Burmese population against the administration, the British had to give Burma full independence on January 4, 1948.
The new Myanmar (Burmese) government, which was fought by some Communists and various ethnic groups, faced many problems, but the ruling party, AFPFL, won the elections landslide in 1951 and 1956. In 1958, however, there developed a split between the then Prime Minister U Nu's followers and another faction in AFPFL, which pushed the country to the brink of civil war. Upon the request of U Nu, General Ne Win set up an interim military government and restored order. He ruled until elections were held in 1960, in which U Nu's faction won a landslide victory and he regained his premiership. As he could no longer control the political and ethnic disputes, Ne Win seized the government in a bloodless take-over in March 1962 to hold Burma together. General Ne Win and his Revolutionary Council of military leaders, who wanted to transform Burma into a socialist nation, founded the Burma Socialist Programme Party and ruled the country until 1988, when large numbers of Burmese demonstrated against the government and called for an end to one-party rule.
The military had to take over the power since the whole country was in turmoil, and established the State Law and Order Restoration Council and allowed multiparty elections to take place in May 1990. The Council also changed the official name of the country from the Union of Burma to the Union of Myanmar. The Council opened the doors to the world and followed market-oriented economic policy. The military government was reorganized in 1997 and changed its name to the State Peace and Development Council. |
Religion & Culture
Myanmar is predominantly a Buddhist country with the Buddhists making up about 80 percent of the population, following the school of Theravada Buddhism. There are also Christians, Muslims, Hindus and some animists. But it respects the freedom of belief and the people practice religious tolerance on other religions which is evident in the existence of religious buildings of different beliefs in large cities. Because the people are deeply pious, there is at least one pagoda or Buddha Image in every town or city, and even in large villages, so is there a Buddhist monastery. Religion plays so vital in a typical Myanmar Buddhist's life that his/her routine cannot be separated from Buddhist rituals. There is also a Buddhist lent on Myanmar calender which lasts for three months in the rainy season, approximately from July to October, during which fasting is preserved, marriages and moving home is usually put off.
Communication
Since 1988, Myanmar has moved from a centrally planned economy to a market oriented economy and has liberalised domestic and exrternal trade, promoted the development of the private sector and been opened up to foreign investment.
In line with the new economic direction, such laws as the Foreign Investment Law, Central Bank of Myanmar Law, Financial Institutions of Myanmar Law, and Myanmar Tourist Law have been enacted and Chambers of Commerce reactivated.
Agriculture remains the main sector of the economy and measures are being taken to increase productivity, promote crop diversification, increase agricultural exports and develop agrobased industries.
Under the new economic policy, Myanmar's rich natural and human resources are being utilized and developed not only by the state sector but also by local and foreign investors. Myanmar is also rich in tourist attractions and there is enormous potential for the tourism industry.
Visa
A valid passport with visa is required of all visitors. A tourist visa allows 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days. A business visa allow a stay of 28 days and extendible up to 12 months on a case by case basis. Pre-approved visa upon arrival is granted to those who live at the cities or countries where Myanmar Embassies or consulates are not located. It takes working 14 days for application approval and the service can be available via an authorized local tour operator for the tourist .
TYPES OF MYANMAR VISA
There are three types of Myanmar Visa called EVT (FIT) and EVT (Package) Visa. We encourage you to apply EVT (Package ) visa. Both have to apply at the Myanmar Embassies or Consulate Abroad. There is another type of visa called Pre-Approved Visa On Arrival where the tourist could issue visa on arrival at the airport but need to apply visa a travel agent minimum 10 days in advance.
E.V.T (F.I.T )
Also this Myanmar visa can applied at the Myanmar Embassy abroad. Visa fee is USD20. Until August 2003, it is necessary to change 200 USD into equavelant 200 FEC compulsorily. But, now government relaxes it and those FIT visa holder also do not need to change FEC 200 on arrival at the Yangon aiport. But we strongly recommend that those who bought the tour services from Myanmar Tourex to get the E.V.T Package visa by getting the visa letter from our office.
E.V.T.(PACKAGE)
You can apply Myanmar visa at Myanmar Embassy or consulate with prior arrangements and confirmation from Travel Agencies in Myanmar. This visa holders are not necessary to change USD200.- on arrival in Yangon airport. Myanmar Tourex will be providing a confirmation letter to the Embassy for those clients who bought a tour from us or those who bought a Myanmar hotel, transfers and one optional tour or flight tickets together.
MYANMAR PRE-APPROVED VISA ON ARRIVAL
The normal visa can be obtain at the Myanmar Embassies or Consulate in abroad. The visa fee is USD 20. Normally, it takes about one week to get the visa at the Myanmar Embassies.
For those who live in the places and countries where the Myanmar Embassies or Consulates are not located, we are able to help you get the pre-approval letter for visa on arrival. Our service charges is 20 US$. So that your total is US$ 40. For pre-approval visa it will take about minimum 30 days. After we get the pre-approval letter will email to you with attached file then show this letter to your airline for boarding pass. Visa fee is USD 20 which has to pay directly to Yangon airport immigration and one of our staff will meet and assist you at the airport on arrival. We need the detail specification as follows:
- Official full name
- Sex
- Race
- Religion
- Passport Number
- Date of Issue
- Place of Issue
- Date of Expire
- Date of Birth
- Place of birth.
- Nationality
- Occupation.
- Purpose for travel
- Father's Name
- Home Address.
- Visible mark of identification
- Purpose of visit
- Copy of Passport
- 2 recent passport size photographs bring along with you, send us one with scan by email first for apply in Yangon
- International flight arrival/departure date & flight time
Economy
Since 1988, Myanmar has moved from a centrally planned economy to a market oriented economy and has liberalised domestic and exrternal trade, promoted the development of the private sector and been opened up to foreign investment.
In line with the new economic direction, such laws as the Foreign Investment Law, Central Bank of Myanmar Law, Financial Institutions of Myanmar Law, and Myanmar Tourist Law have been enacted and Chambers of Commerce reactivated.
Agriculture remains the main sector of the economy and measures are being taken to increase productivity, promote crop diversification, increase agricultural exports and develop agrobased industries.
Under the new economic policy, Myanmar's rich natural and human resources are being utilized and developed not only by the state sector but also by local and foreign investors. Myanmar is also rich in tourist attractions and there is enormous potential for the tourism industry.
Land & Geography
With a land area of 676, 577 sq.km., Myanmar is the largest country in the Southeast Asia region, bounded by mountain complex in the north, east and west, and enclosed by the Andamen Sea and the Bay of Bengal in the South, Southwest, and West. Myanmar shares borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. Situated between latitudes 9. 30’ N and 28. 30’ N and between longitudes 92. 10’ E and 101. 10’ E the country stretches 2090 km North to South, and 925 km East to West and has a varied Photography which includes islands, extensive rice plains, river valleys and forested hills and mountains.
It has a 2,832 km long coastline on the Indian Ocean. Myanmar's highest mountains, situated in the far north, include Hkakabo Razi, the highest peak, which rises 5,881 km above sea level. The two other mountain systems: a group of low mountains called the Rakhine Yoma stands in the west forming a border with the Indian Subcontinent, and the hilly Shan Plateau separates Myanmar from China, Laos and Thailand.
The central lowland region of Myanmar consists of the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) and Sittaung river valleys. Ayeyarwaddy is the longest river in the country, running for 2,010 km from the northern region to the Bay of Bengal, and serves as the principle transportation route and as the main source of water supply for the central dry zone.
Festivals
Myanmar is popularly know as the Land of Festivals because of the countless religious and cultural festivals that take place all year round.
Myanmar people are known for their desire for fun, which is evident in round-the-year festivities, celebrated and enjoyed throughout Myanmar. Festivals can be divided into two types, nation-wide and regional. As Myanmar culture is closely intertwined with Buddhism, most of Myanmar festivals center around some religious events. The most popular and nation-wide celebrated festival is the Water Festival, which marks the end of present year and coming of a new year on lunar calendar. So the first month of Myanmar Calendar is in April or the month of TAGU. Almost everyone in the country regardless of age, gender, nationality and belief participate in the major event of the year by throwing or dousing water on each other using bowls, buckets or pipes. It usually falls in April and the Festival is called Thingyan, and lasts for three to four successive days.
Another such festival is the Festival of Lights, called Thadingyut which mark the end of Buddhist lent. During the festival, which last for three days, Buddhist people all over the country illuminate decorated lights in the evenings in reverence to the Buddha. It is also accompanied with funfair of open-air public entertainment, roadside shows, games and stalls. Most of Myanmar festivals are designated according to the Myanmar calendar and each of the twelve months coincides with one or more festivals. Apart from festivals of the Buddhists, there are also those for Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Chinese celebrated among their communities and some of the events are announced public holidays.
Transport
Myanmar has more than 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) of inland waterways, about 17,000 miles (27,000 kilometers) of roads and about 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) of railroad track. The principle means of transport is road but most travelers to Myanmar rely on airlines. There are altogether three of them: one operated by the government and the other two (Yangon Airways and Air Mandalay) by private. Good safety record and easy booking of tickets make the private airlines all the more popular. Yangon and Mandalay, each with international airport, provide gateways to Myanmar. Rail transport is mostly occupied with local travelers because of its punctual and regular service and reasonable fees. The weakness of the railway service is that the destinations are not many and tickets have to be bought days in advance. River transport is least favorite among travelers except for riverine cruises and speed boat trips. In major cities, buses provide a means of public transport while taxis are running in abundance in the capital. Although private cars jam almost all the roads of Yangon, the number of privately owned automobiles is not many considering the general population.
Foreign Embassies
Australia
88, Strand Rd. KTDA,
Yangon
Phone: +95-1-251810, 251797-8; Fax: +95-1-246159
Bangladesh
56, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road., BHN
Yangon
Phone: +95-1-549556-7; Fax: +95-1-548745
Brunei Darussalam
51, Golden Vally Avenue Rd., BHN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-510422, 526985; Fax: +95-1-512854
Cambodia
34, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd. BHN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-546157; Fax: +95-1-546156
Fax: (673-2) 451008
China
1, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd.DGN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-221280, 221281; Fax: +95-1-227019
Egypt
81, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd.DGN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-222886-7; Fax: +95-1-222865
France
102, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd. DGN
Yangon
Phone: +95-1-212523, 212530, 212532
Fax: +95-1-212527
Germany
32, Natmauk St. BHN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-548951-3;
Fax: +95-1-548899
Mobile: +95-1-927809
India
545/547, Merchant St. KTDA
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-282550, 282552, 282933; Fax: +95-1-254086
Israel
49, Pyay Rd., DGN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-222290-1, 222709; Fax: +95-1-222463
Italy
3, Inya Myaing Rd., Golden Valley, BHN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-527100-1; Fax: +95-1-514565
Japan
10, Natmauk Rd. BHN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-549644-8; Fax: +95-1-549643
Lao People's Democratic Republic
A1, Diplomatic Quarters, Taw win Rd., DGN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-222482; Fax: +95-1-227446
Malaysia
82, Pyidaungsu Yeiktha Rd. DGN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-220248--9, 220251; Fax: +95-1-221840
Nepal
16, Natmauk Rd. BHN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-553168, 545880; Fax: +95-1-549803
Pakistan
A-4 Diplomatic Quarters, Pyay Rd. DGN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-222881-2; Fax: +95-1-221147
Philippines
50, Pyay Rd., 6 1/2 Mile, HLG
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-664012, 664021, 664024; Fax: +95-1-524084
Russian Federation
38, Sagawa Rd. DGN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-241955, 254161; Fax: +95-1-241953
Serbia & Montenegro
114/A, inya Road, KMYT
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-532665, 532822; Fax: +95-1-532831
Singapore
326, Pyay Rd., SCG
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-525688, 525700; Fax: +95-1-525734
South Korea
97, University Avenue Rd. BHN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-527142, 527143, 527144; Fax: +95-1-513286
Sri Lanka
34, Taw Win Rd. DGN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-222812; Fax: +95-1-221509
Thailand
437, Pyay rd., 8 Ward, KMYT
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-533082, 512017-8, 525472; Fax: +95-1-527792
U.S.A
581, Merchant St. KTDA
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-282055-6, 282059, 282181; Fax: +95-1-280409
United Kingdom
80, Strand Rd. KTDA
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-281700, 281702-3, 295300
Vietnam
36,Wingaba Rd. BHN
Yangon.
Phone: +95-1-548905; Fax: +95-1-549302
FOREIGN MISSIONS TO MYANMAR
European Union (EU)
477, Pyay Rd, Kamayut Tsp.
Tel: +95-1-31732 |
Languages
The official language is Myanmar, which is spoken by virtually all of Myanmar people, including large national races and non-Myanmar ethnic minorities though they have their own languages and dialects spoken only in their communities or in particular regions. English, being the second language, is widely spoken and understood among the educated urban population. Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindustani and Urdu are most common foreign languages spoken among Chinese and Indian immigrants.
People & Population
Myanmar has a population of over 50 million with the Bamar, the majority race, making up about 70 percent. The other major national races consist of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. Myanmar is a union of 135 ethnic groups with their own languages, dialects and culture. The overall population density is about 70 persons per sq km, one of the lowest in East Asia. The population is more than 75 percent rural, with almost half the urban population found in the three largest cities: Yangon (Rangoon), Mandalay and Mawlamyine. Communities of Chinese and Indian Muslim minorities dwell in large towns and cities in peaceful coexistence with the Myanmar nationals.
Traveller's information
When to Visit:
You can visit Myanmar all the year round but the best time to come is between October and February as the weather during this period is neither too hot nor wet. What to Wear: Light, casual wear preferably made of cotton is suitable for all climates. Some warm clothes are necessary if you plan to visit northern Myanmar or other hilly regions in the cold season. Sandals or slippers are convenient as the dress code for Buddhist religious buildings prescribe decent apparel and no footwear including socks.
Foreign Exchange
: All travelers, unless they are on group or package tours, are required to exchange US$ 200 for Foreign Exchange Certificates (FEC) on arrival at the airport till end of August 2003 (government just relaxes the change of 200 FEC at the airport starting from 01 September 2003 - see visa.html for more detail). FECs, which is equivalent to the US$, are accepted by hotels, airlines, travel agencies, taxis, restaurants, and as payment of admission fees at museums and pagodas. FECs can be exchanged for Kyats (Myanmar currency) at market rates at authorized money changers. Credit cards such as American Express, Diner and Visa are accepted at most airlines, hotels, banks, jewelry shops, supermarkets and travel agents till 30 August 2003 and could not able to use currently due U.S new sanctions.
Formalities:
A valid Passport with Entry Visa is required of all visitors. A Tourist Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible for an additional 14 days. A Business Visa allows a stay of 28 days, extendible up to 12 months on a case-by-case basis. Visa on Arrival is granted on prior arrangement.
Customs Formalities:
Foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of US$ 2,000, jewelry, cameras, video cameras, recording equipment and laptop computers must be declared at the airport. Failure to do so could end up in confiscation upon departure. Export of antiques and items of archaeological value are prohibited.
Vaccination:
Not required unless you are coming from an infected area.
Health:
The same precautions as anywhere else, drink only bottled water. Do not ear raw vegetables: only eat fruits that you can peel or cut yourself. Be wary of eating food from street stalls. Use insect repellant when necessary and use sunscreen liberally when exposed to the intense, tropical cun.
Manners and Etiquette:
It is recommended that you refrain from kissing and hugging in public, pointing at things with your feet, sitting with your back to a Buddha image, improper use of or behavior toward a sacred thing as a Buddha image, and touching a monk.
Climate:
Myanmar has three seasons, the cold season--October through February, with average temperatures of between 20-24'C. The hot season--March through May with average temperatures of between 30-35'C. The wet season--June through September with average temperature between 25-30'C. Yangon normally receives early morning and afternoon showers while rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low. The weather around Inlay Lake and Shan State is quite pleasant all year round, but cold at night from December to February. Myanmar can be visited all year round.
Time:
Myanmar Standard Time (MST) is six hours and 30 minutes ahead of greenwhich MeanTime (GMT/UTC).
Climate
Most of Myanmar enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures in Mandalay, in central Myanmar is average 68 °F (20 °C) in January and 85 °F (29 °C) in July. Temperatures in Yangon, on the delta is average 77 °F (25 °C) in January and 80 °F (27 °C) in July. Myanmar has three seasons namely rainy or monsoon, cool, and hot. Yangon normally receives early morning and afternoon showers while rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low. The weather around Inlay Lake and Shan State is quite pleasant all year round, but cold at night from December to February. Myanmar can be visited all year round.
The rainy season lasts from late May to October. Rainfall varies greatly from region to region. For example, the Mandalay area receives only about 30 inches (76 cm) of rain a year. The Taninthayi Coast, however, is drenched with over 200 inches (510 cm). The heavy rainfall is brought by seasonal winds called monsoons, which sweep North-Eastward from the Indian Ocean.
The cool season runs from late October to mid-February. Temperatures are lowest at this time, though the climate remains tropical throughout most of Myanmar.
The hot season lasts from late February to about mid-May. During this season, temperatures often top 100 °F (38 °C) in many parts of Myanmar.
Embassies in Abroad
Australia
22, Arkana Street, Yarralumla
Canberra A.C.T 2600, Austrralia
Tel: (61-2) 62733811, 62733751
Fax: (61-2) 6273 4357
Bangladesh
No. NEL (3), 84, Gulshan Model Town,
Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
Tel: 601461, 601915
Fax: (88-02) 8823740
Brazil
Shis QL 08 Conjunto 04, Casa 05, Lago Sul, 71620-245
Brasilia-DF, Federative Republic Of Brazil
Tel: (00-55-61) 2483747, 3643145
Fax: (00-55-61) 2481922
Brunei Darussalam
No. 14 Lot 2185 / 46292 Simpang
212 Jalan Kampong Rimba
Gadong 3385, Post Code – 3119
P.O. Box 1309, Post Office
Gadong 3113
Tel: (673-2) 450506, 673-2-450507
Fax: (673-2) 451008
Cambodia
181, Preah Nordom Boulevard
Boeung Keng Kang 1, Khan
Chamcarmon, Phnom Penh,
Kingdom of Cambodia
Tel: (855-23) 213 644, 213 663
Fax: (855-23) 213 665
Canada
85 Range Road, Suite 902-903
The Sandringham,
Building, Ottawa, Ontario Kin 8J6, Canada
Tel: (613) 232-6434, 232-6446
Fax: (613) 232-6435
China
No.6, Dong Zhi Men Wai Strret,
Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100600
Tel: 6532 1584, 65321425
Fax: (0086) (10) 6532 1344
Egypt
No. 24, Mohamed Mazhar Street, Zamalek, Cairo
Tel: 3412644, 3404176, 3413450
Fax: (202) 3416793
France
No. 60, Rue De Courcelles, 75008 Paris.
Tel: (33) 01 42 25 56 95
Fax: (33) 01 42 56 49 41
Germany
Zimmer Strasse 56
D-10117 Berlin
Fax: (0049-30-20649757)
India
3/50-F, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi – 110021
Tel: 6889007, 6889008
Fax: (009211) 6877942
Indonesia
No. 109, JL Haji Agus Salim, Menteng.
Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia.
Tel: (6221) 327684, 3140440
Fax: (6221) 327 204
Israel
No. 26, Hayarkon Street, tel Aviv 68011, Israel
Tel: (972) (3) 5170760, 5170761
Fax: (972) (3) 5171440
Italy
Viale Gioacchino Rossini, No. 18, Int.2,
1st Floor, 00198 Rome.
Tel: 0039-06-8549374 / 85863343
Fax: 0039-0684 13167
Japan
8-26, 4-Chome, Kita – Shinagawa,
Shinagaw-Ku, Tokyo-140
Tel: Chancery: (03) 3441-9291, 3441-9292, 3441-9293,
3441-9294, 3441-9029, 3441-9044
Fax: (81) (03) 3447-7394
Korea
723-1, 724-, Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-ku,
Seoul, 140-210, Repblic of Korea
Tel: 792-3341, 796-9858, 796-7814
Fax: (82-2) 796-5570
Lao PDR
Ban Thong Kang, Sok Palaung Road,
P.O. Box No. (11), Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: (856) (21) 314910, 314911
Fax: (856) (21) 314 913
Malaysia
No.10, Jalan Mengkuang, Off Jalan Ru, 55000
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603) 4560280, 4570680
Fax: (603) 4568320
Nepal
Chakupat, Patan Gate, Lalitpur, Kathmandu,
P.O. Box No. 2437
Tel: 521788, 524788
Fax: (0097) (1) 523402
Pakistan
No. 201, Street No. 10, Sector E-7
Tel: 822460, 828818
Fax: (0092) (51) 828819
Philippines
4th Floor, Xanland Centre, 152 Amorosolo
Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Metro Manila
Tel: (0063-2) 817-2373, (0063-2) 812-9587
Fax: (0063-2) 817-5895
Russian Federation
41, U 1.B. Nikitskaya (Gertsena), Moscow
Tel: 291 05 34
Fax: (007) (503) 956 31 86
Singapore
15, St. Martin’s Drive, Singapore 257-996
Tel: 7352053, 7351672, 7356576
Fax: (0065) 7356236
South Africa
23, Amos Street, Colbyn 0083,
Pretoria, P.O. Box 12121, Queenswood 0121
Tel: 00-27-12 3420706, 27-12-3420796
Fax: 27-12-342 2039
Srilanka
No. 65, Ward Place, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Tel: 681197, 696672
Fax: (94) (1) 681196
Thailand
132, Sathorn Nua Road, Bangkok 10500
Tel: (662) 233-2237, 234-4698, 233-7250, 234-0320
Fax: 236-6898
United Kingdom
19A Charles Street, London Wix 8ER
Tel: 0171-6296966, 0171-4998841
Fax: 0171-629 4169
United States of America
2300 S Street, N.W. Washington D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 332-9044, 332-9045, 332-9049
Fax: (202) 352-9046
Vietnam
Building No. A-3, Ground Floor, Van Phuc
Diplomatic Quarters, Kim Ma Street, Hanoi.
Tel: (84-4) 8453369, 8232056
Fax: (84-4) 845 2404
Yugoslavia
Kneza Milosa 72, Belgrade
Tel: (381) (11) 645-128, 645-420
Fax: (381) (11) 3614-968 |
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The first known people who live in Myanmar (formerly called Burma) were the Mon. They shared a culture with the Khmer, a people who lived in the Kindom of Khamer (now Cambodia). The Mon moved into the Myanmar region as early as 3000 B.C. and settled near the mouths of the Thanlwin and Sittaung rivers. The peoples who came later migrated from an area in central Asia that is now southwestern China. The Pyu arrived in the A.D. 600's. The Bamars, Chin, Kachin, Karen, and Shan came during the 800's. Most of these peoples lived apart from one another and kept their own cultures. 
