Here we are with another blog on the series “KNOW OUR WORLD”. In this blog, we will talk about a country, globally famous for it’s sand paintings, gems, pearls, Buddhist temples and the Chauk-htat-gyi Buddha Temple is one of them., i.e., Myanmar.

Myanmar, the official name of the Southeast Asian nation commonly known as Burma. This beautiful country is dotted with thousands of Buddhist temples.

Major Statistics:

• Official Name: Republic of the Union of Myanmar (also known as Burma)
• Capital: Nay Pyi Taw
• Religion: No official religion. Preference is given to Theravada Buddhism, which is also the religion of the majority of the population.
• National Anthem: Kaba Ma Kyei (English translation: Till the end of the world)
• Official Language: Burmese
• Currency: Myanmar Kyat or Burmese Kyat (K)
• National Flower: Padauk, Thazin orchid and Ingyin
• National Animal: The Green Peafowl. Note: A mythical creature called Chinthe is also sometimes used as a symbol in Myanmar
• National Flag:

(Adopted in 2010) (Symbolism – Yellow: Solidarity; Green: Peace and tranquillity; Red: Courage and Decisiveness; White star: Union of the country)

Geography:

Myanmar is the northernmost country of Southeast Asia. It is shaped like a kite with a long tail. It has China to its North and Northeast, Laos in the East, Thailand in Southeast, the Andaman Sea to its South, the Bay of Bengal to its Southwest, Bangladesh to its West and India in the Northwest.

• Largest city: Yangon (also known as Rangoon)
• Smallest city: Magway
• Population: 53,582,855 (26th in the world)
• Largest state (by area): Shan State
• Smallest state (by area): Naypyidaw Union Territory
• Communities: The major ethnic group is Bamar, who constitute 68% of the population. Other ethnic groups are Shan, Karen, Rakhine, Han-Chinese, Mon, Kachin, Indians, Chin, Kaya, etc.
• Highest Moutain Peak: Mt. Hkakabo
• Rivers: There are three major river systems in Myanmar. They are:
  1. Irrawaddy: The Irrawaddy River is Myanmar’s longest river and flows into the Gulf of Martaban.
  2. Salween: River Salween extends into China, Myanmar and Thailand.
  3. Sittaung: This river is primarily used to float timber to the South.

Polity:

Myanmar has a parliamentary form of government. It has a bicameral legislature. The President is accountable to the legislature. The military has the power to appoint 25% of the legislature.

• President: Win Myint
• State Counsellor (de facto leader; equivalent to Prime Minister): Aung San Suu Kyi
• First Vice President: Myint Swe
• Second Vice President: Henry Van Thio
• First President: Sao Shwe Thaik

Note: There is no official distinction between the two Vice Presidents.

Some Interesting Facts:

• Myanmar has not adopted the metric system of measurement.
• Men and Women in Myanmar use a yellow paste from the bark of the Thanakha tree as a cosmetic.
• Small children wear holy thread around their neck or wrist for protection from bad spirits or spells.
• The Water Festival, also known as Thingyan, is one of the biggest festivals in the country. 
• Fishermen on Inle Lake in Myanmar are famous for fishing on one leg.
• The traditional sport of Myanmar is called Chinlone. 
•  Myanmar has more than 100 different ethnic groups.
• The “longyi” is the traditional Burmese dress. 
• Rice is the main agricultural export in Myanmar.

So, this is all for this blog. We’ll keep updating you with such interesting blogs in future as well so that you don’t face any difficulty while appearing for competitive exams such as SSC CHSL, NET JRF, etc.

In the next blog, we would be discussing some interesting facts and trivia about the country Russia. Click here to Know Country – ‘Russia’.