Headlines
Burma Population, Official Language And More.
The Kingdom of Ava was the dominant kingdom that ruled upper Burma from 1364 to 1555. Like the small kingdoms that preceded it, Ava may have been led by Bamarised Shan kings who claimed descent from the kings of Pagan. The kingdom was also known for its constant wars with neighboring kingdoms and states. The Toungoo dynasty eventually conquered Ava in 1555, ending its reign as a dominant power in Upper Burma.
Burma
The Population
Burma has a population of approximately 54 million people . The country is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including the Bamar, Shan, Karen, Rakhine, and Mon. The Bamar people are the largest ethnic group in the country and make up around 68% of the population.
The Landmarks
Burma is home to many famous landmarks, including the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. This pagoda is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world and is believed to contain relics of the four previous Buddhas . Another famous landmark is Bagan, an ancient city located in central Burma. Bagan is home to over 2,000 temples and pagodas and is a popular tourist destination.
The Official Language
The official language of Burma is Burmese . Burmese is a Sino-Tibetan language that is spoken by the majority of the population. Other languages spoken in Burma include Shan, Karen, Rakhine, and Mon.
The Culture
Burma has a rich cultural heritage that is influenced by Buddhism. The country’s culture is characterized by its art, music, dance, and festivals. One of the most important festivals in Burma is Thingyan, also known as the Water Festival. This festival marks the beginning of the Burmese New Year and involves throwing water at one another to symbolize washing away bad luck from the previous year .
The Economic Stability
Burma’s economy has been growing rapidly in recent years. According to the World Bank, Burma’s GDP grew by 5.9% in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Burma remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia with a GDP per capita of just $1,400. The country’s economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and natural resources such as oil and gas.
The GDP
As of 2023, Burma’s nominal GDP is estimated to be $63.99 billion and its purchasing power adjusted GDP is estimated to be $278.16 billion. The country’s economy has been growing rapidly in recent years, with a growth rate of 5.9% in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Burma remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia with a GDP per capita of just $1,400.
The Currency
The official currency of Burma is the Burmese kyat (MMK). As of September 2023, one US dollar is equal to approximately 2,093.70 MMK.
The Food
Burmese cuisine is a blend of Chinese, Indian, and Thai influences. Some popular dishes include mohinga, a fish soup with rice noodles and lemongrass; oh no khao swe, a coconut milk-based noodle soup; and lahpet thoke, a salad made with fermented tea leaves.
Major Cities
The largest city in Burma is Yangon, which is also the former capital of the country. Other major cities include Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Mawlamyine.
Major Airports, Sea Ports, and Schools
The main international airport in Burma is the Yangon International Airport. Other international airports include the Mandalay International Airport and the Naypyidaw International Airport. The country’s main sea port is the Port of Yangon, which is located on the Yangon River. Some of the top schools in Burma include the University of Yangon, the University of Mandalay, and the University of Medicine 1.
