Information regarding the Golden Land of Myanmar (Burma)

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Myanmar (Burma) is the largest country by geographical area in mainland of Southeast Asia. Site of ancient Mon and Burman kingdoms, Burma was a province of British India from 1886 to 1937 and a separate crown colony from 1937 to 1948, when it gained its independence. The civilian government was overthrown by a military coup in 1962 and again in 1988. The country was officially renamed Myanmar (from Burma) in 1989.

Use of "Burma" and the people of Burma called "Burmese", remains common in the Western countries like United States and United Kingdom. The name "Myanmar" is derived from the local short-form name Myanma Naingngandaw (in English 'Union of Myanmar'), the name used by the regime currently in power in the country.

The major agricultural product is rice which covers about 60% of the country's total cultivated land area. Rice accounts for 97% of total food grain production by weight. Through collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), 52 modern rice varieties were released in the country between 1966 and 1997, helping increase national rice production to 14 million tons in 1987 and to 19 million tons in 1996. By 1988, modern varieties were planted on half of the country's ricelands, including 98 percent of the irrigated areas.

The country is divided into seven States such as Chin, Kachin, Kayin (Karen), Kayah (Karenni), Mon, Rakhine (Arakan) and Shan state and seven Divisions such as Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi and Yangon division.

There are eight major Races (Ethnic groups) in Myanmar such as Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Burma, Mon, Rakhine and Shan in the total area of 678,500 square kilometers as it is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia, and the 40th-largest in the world.

The culture of Myanmar (Burma) has been influenced by Buddhism, Mon people and neighbours countries like India and China but there are also own style of cultures be seen in Myanmar. In old days, make offering to Nat(Spirits) that is believe in worship Nat, before Buddhism come. In more recent times, British colonial rule and westernisation have influenced aspects of Burmese culture, including language and education. Besides, there Christian, Islam, Hindu etc in Myanmar.