Myanmar lies within the Tropical Zone with three season’s namely rainy season from mid May to mid October, Cool season (winter) from mid October to mid February and the hot season (summer) from mid February to mid May. Temperatures range from 17’C to 40’C (62’F to 104’F) in Lower Myanmar and from less than 17’C to 40’C (62’ to 104’F) to more than 40’C (104’F) in the upper Myanmar. Generally temperatures vary for different regions, being lower in the mountainous and higher in central regions, average rain fall about 890 mm (35 in.) in upper Myanmar and 5080 mm (200in.) in lower Myanmar. Myanmar is a tourist place through out the year.

Early history of Myanmar began since pre-Christian era with factual evidences that many dynasties had reigned for centuries. The Pyu civilization that followed flourished in the Ayeyarwaddy Valley from Tagaung to Pyay (formally Prome) in the first Century B.C. and reached a high level economic, social and cultural development. There had been Kingdoms at Srikshetra and Beithano near Pyay, the Mon dynasty at Souvanabhumi (Thaton) and Bago. The First Myanmar Empire of consolidated Kingdoms was founded by King Anawratha at Bagan in 1044 AD. He established Theravada Buddhism and made progress in the fields of culture, arts, dances and musical instruments, architectural designs of religious edifices, dams, roads and education. Bagan dynasty collapsed in the 13th century with the invasion of Mongols under Khubalai Khan. Second Myanmar Empire was founded by King Bayinnaung as Taungoo Period (1551AD - 1581AD) with its capital at Bago. Last and 3rd Myanmar Empire (Konbaung Dynasty) was founded by King Alaung Phaya in 1752AD). In 19th Century, Myanmar became British colony after three Anglo-Burmese wars in 1825, 1852 and 1885AD respectively. During the 2nd World war Myanmar was invaded and occupied by Japanese Forces from 1942 to 1945, when they were defeated to retreat by the Allied Forces. Myanmar regained its independence as a sovereign state on 4th January 1948.

Myanmar belongs to a family of eight major national races being Bamar, Chin, Kachin, Kayar, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. It is a Union of eight major nationalities and over 100 minor ethnic minorities with their own traditions, cultures, costumes, dialects and life-style. Population of Myanmar is over 52 millions with Bamar a major race of about 70 percent and the population growth rate is about 1.8 percent.

Buddhism is the predominant religion comprising over 80 percent, believed and practiced mainly by Bamar, Shan, Rakhine, Kaya, Kayin, Mon and few Kachin and Chin. Christianity is mostly among in Kachin, Kayin and Chin. Islam and Hinduism are practiced by people of Indian Origin. Myanmar became a world centre of Theravada Buddhism since 12th Century established by King Anawyatha, founder of the first Myanmar Empire of Bagan. There are some animists as well.

All major nationalities and ethnic minorities have their own language spoken in their regions Myanmar is the official language but English is also spoken widely in cities and urban areas.

Although Myanmar is in between two vast and ancient civilizations, China and India, its culture is neither of each. Myanmar has its own separate and independent culture. It has incorporated finer arts of both countries and blended to the taste of native’s traits and characteristics. Buddhism has great influence on Myanmar culture, tradition and daily life. Myanmar peoples have preserved and maintained the tradition of reverence for religion and clergy, obedience and respect to parents and elders. All the Myanmar nationals prefer simple way of living, wearing of modest dresses, traditional and native costumes of different tribes. They are simple, honest, generous, friendly and fun lovers. Religious and traditional festivals, social and welfare functions are celebrated by Myanmar peoples of all nationalities and religions on their own ways independently during the festive occasions.

Before 1988, Myanmar Economy was centralized planned with very little role in private sector. Now, it is replaced by more liberalized economy policy based on Market-oriented system. To encourage business in domestic and foreign trade, Union of Myanmar Foreign Investment Commission has been set up and number of laws are promulgated allowing more participation of private sector and foreign investment depends on agriculture, forest, minerals oil, fisheries and tourism. Myanmar is progressing in rehabilitation by construction projects of dams, bridges railways, roads buildings, electricity and public properties.

Myanmar monetary unit is “Kyat” which consists of 100 “Pyas”. Monetary notes are denominated as Kyats 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 Kyat and 50 Pyas. Likewise, monetary coins in Kyats are 1, 5, 10, 20, and 100 Kyats and coins in Pyas are 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Pyas. Visitors are not allowed to take in or bring out Myanmar Currency. There are three currencies Kyat (local currency), FEC and the foreign currency US$. Visitors may be allowed any amount of foreign currency but must declare to the customs if it exceeds US$ 2,000. FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificate) can be purchased with US$ or Pound Sterling. FECs are denominated as 20, 10, 5 and 1 notes. One US$ is equivalent to one FEC. Besides US$, Euro, German Mark, Pound Sterling, Thai Baht and Chinese Yuan are acceptable. FEC are accepted by hotels, travel agencies, taxis, restaurants and entrance fees in Museum, Pagodas and tourist sites.

All visitors require a valid passport with visa to enter Myanmar. Twenty eight days stay is permitted for a tourist visa and can be extendable to additional 14 days. Business visa is allowed a stay of 28 days and extendable up to 12 months on individual case basic. Arrival visa is issued to FITs (Foreign Individual Travelers) and package Tourists on arrival at the Airport. Thai Tourists with border pass and third country tourists with visa are permitted overland entry via Three Pagoda Pass and Check-points along Myanmar-Thai border. Over land entry is also permitted to Chinese Tourists with border pass and third country with visa along the Myanmar-China border.

All visitors must declare their Jewelleries electrical goods and cameras on arrival at the airport. Duty free purchase is allowed to buy two bottles of liquor, two cartoons of cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 1.5 lb of tobacco and one pint bottle of perfume.