Myanmar
General Information for Myanmar
Geo-political:
Capital City: Yangon (Rangoon).
Nationality: (noun) Burmese, (adjective) Burmese.
Population: 48,137,741.
Communications:
International Direct Dial Code: 95.
Number of Internal Airports: 37.
Major Languages Spoken: Burmese, minority ethnic groups have their own languages.
Economy:
Currency: 1 Kyat (MMK) of 100 Pyas.
Exchange Rates:
(as of December 2010)
US$ 1.00 = MMK 6.44
MMK 1.00 = US$ 0.16
Exchange rates under licence from
XE.com
Main Industries: Agricultural processing, wood and wood products, copper, tin, tungsten, iron, cement,
construction materials, pharmaceuticals, fertiliser, oil and natural gas, garments
and jade and gems.
Environment:
Territorial Sea: 12 n.m.
Other Maritime Claims: Contiguous Zone: 24 n.m. Continental Shelf: 200 n.m. or to the edge of the continental
margin. Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 n.m.
Coastline Extent: 1,930 km.
Climate: Tropical monsoon; cloudy, rainy, hot, humid summers (southwest monsoon, June to September);
less cloudy, scant rainfall, mild temperatures, lower humidity during winter (northeast
monsoon, December to April).
Natural Resources: Petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, marble, limestone,
precious stones, natural gas and hydropower.
Natural Hazards: Destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during rainy
season (June to September); periodic droughts.
Terrain: Central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands.
MEDICAL:
Routine medical advice and treatment can be obtained in Yangon and Mandalay, but elsewhere
you should not assume that competent advice and treatment is available. Upfront cash
payment is often required prior to receiving medical treatment in Myanmar. Intrusive
examinations, including emergency dental work, should be avoided due to irregular
hygiene standards and the danger of infection, particularly by hepatitis B and C and
HIV/AIDS. Make sure you have adequate insurance and accessible funds to cover the
cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of diarrhoeal illnesses.
Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from
diarrhoea during a visit to Myanmar, seek immediate medical attention.
Also see
General
HOLIDAYS:
4 January (Independence Day); 12 February (Union Day); 2 March (Peasants Day); March
(Full Moon of Tabaung); 27 March (Tatmadaw Day); 13–16 April (Water Festival); 17–21
April (Burmese New Year); 1 May (Labour Day); 8 May (Full Moon of Kason); 6 July (Beginning
of Buddhist Lent); 19 July (Martyrs' Day); 3 October (end of Buddhist Lent); October
to November (Diwali); 1 November (Tazaungdaing Festival); 11 November (National Day);
16 December (Kayin (Karen) New Year); 25 December (Christmas).
WEATHER/TIDES:
The cyclone season in Myanmar normally runs from April to October. Floods and landslides
may occur.
Also see
General
BANKS:
Overseas visitors are not able to use the few ATMs to be found in Myanmar. Credit
cards, debit cards and travellers' cheques are rarely accepted (if at all). Ensure
you have enough US Dollars, in pristine condition, for use in Myanmar.
Because of concerns over counterfeit money, US Dollars with the letters AB and CB
at the start of the serial number (top left-hand corner of note) are not always accepted.
Notes with pen marks, folds or tears are also not accepted.
Also see
General
SHORE LEAVE:
There is a high threat from terrorism. You should exercise caution in public places
and ensure that you are comfortable with security arrangements. Attacks could be indiscriminate,
including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
There are no accurate crime statistics, but anecdotal evidence suggests that muggings
and petty thefts in Yangon have increased as the economic situation has deteriorated.
You should take extra care of your belongings. There have been occasional instances
of violent crime against foreigners. Take sensible security precautions at all times.
Also see
General
REPATRIATION:
Evidence suggests that the domestic airline, Myanmar Airways, does not always comply
with international safety standards. The domestic airline Myanmar Airways should not
be confused with Myanmar Airways International (MAI), which operates across South
East Asia.
Local flight schedules are subject to change without warning and you should leave
sufficient time in your travel itinerary to accommodate this. On occasion Burmese
domestic airlines use aircraft from outside their own fleet, including those belonging
to Myanmar Airways. Passengers are not advised in advance where this is the case.
Also see
General
GENERAL:
Information obtained from the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office website. Updates available
at
http://www.fco.gov.uk
