In 1989 the largest nation of mainland Southeast Asia changed its name from Burma to Myanmar. In 2006 the capital moved from Yangon (formerly Rangoon) to Nay Pyi Taw.

Population: 50,519,000
Currency: kyat
Area: 676,552 square kilometers

Myanmar Trip (Formally Burma)

February 2007

Crossing the border from Thailand to Myanmar (former Burma) is an experience. It's only recent that foreign visitors have been allowed. …with a visa. Visit more temples and take a tuk-tuk into the local villages where children are selling home-made articles, begging you to buy.

Burma is one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, suffering from years of stagnation, neglect and isolation. It is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia. A rural, densely forested country, it is the world's largest exporter of teak and major source of jade, pearls, rubies and sapphires. It is endowed with extremely fertile soil and has important offshore oil and gas deposits. However, its people remain very poor and are getting poorer. Due to its abundant poppy fields, it is a corner of the Golden Triangle of opium production.

Thousands of Buddhist pagodas throng its ancient towns; these have been a focus for an increasingly important tourism industry. But while tourism has been a magnet for foreign investment, its benefits have hardly touched the people.

In 1937, Burma was administratively separated from British India and there was hope for self-rule. The Japanese drove the British from Burma in WWII and attempted to enlist Burma's support politically. In 1948, Burma became independent and almost immediately began to disintegrate as hill tribes, communists and Muslims revolted. Burma has been under military rule since 1962.

Myanmar Photo Gallery

Click on the photo to view larger