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Myanmar
Myanmar is the name which has long been use by its people to describe
their home land which the British call Burma. It is also known as the
Golden Land not only for is golden pagodas but for its rich land and
the wealth of its agriculture and precious minerals. Geographically,
Myanmar is the largest country in South East Asia Peninsular sharing
borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. It has a
total area of 675, 577 square kilometers and is twice the size of
Vietnam and about the size of United Kingdom and France combined.
Climate
Myanmar has three seasons. The cold season is from October to
February with average temperatures of between 20- 24 C. The hot
season is from March to May with average temperatures of between 30-
35 C. The wet season is occurs from June to September with average
temperature of between 25- 30 C- Yangon normally receive early
morning and afternoon showers while rain fall in Bagan and Mandalay
is very low. The weather around Inle Lake and Shan State is pleasant
year round, but cold at night from December to February.
Religion
Teravada Buddhism is the predominant religion with over 80% of the
people embracing it. There are also Christian, Muslims, Hindus and
some animists.
Culture
Myanmar lies on the cross- road of two of the world's great
civilization – China and India, but its culture is neither that of
India nor China exclusively, but a blend of both interspersed with
Myanmar native traits and characteristics. The people have preserved
the traditional close family ties, respect for the elders and
reverence for Buddhism. Myanmar are contented and cheerful even in
the face of adversities and known for their simple hospitality and
friendliness.
Health
The same precautions are the same as anywhere else- Drink only bottle
and do not eat raw vegetable, only eat fruits that you can peel of
cut your self. Be wary of eating food from streets stall. Use insect
repellent when necessary and use sunscreen liberally when exposed to
the intense, tropical sun.
Dress
Cotton clothing and a light wrap for the evening during the cool
season are recommended. Do not wear shorts, tank tops or sleeveless
blouses when visiting temple. Dress modestly at all times- revealing
clothing is frowned upon in Myanmar. Footwear must be removed before
entering a temple.
Visas
Tourist and business visas are valid for 28 days. Tourist visas are
non- extendible; business visas may be extended for 28 days. Transit
visas are valid for 24 hours. Apply to a Myanmar embassy or
consulate, with four photos and your passport. The cost of a tourist
visa is approximately US$20; the cost of a business visa is
approximately US$40.
Customs
Besides personal effects visitors are allowed 400 cigarettes (100
cigars or 250g of unrolled tobacco), two quarts of liquor and 500ml
of cologne or perfume. Cameras, radios, cassette players, calculators
etc must be declared at Customs on arrival and taken out on
departure. Foreign currency in excess of US$ 2000 must be declared.
Retain a copy of the Customs declaration form to be presented when
you leave Myanmar.
Airport Tax
Airport tax is US$10 per head to be paid on departure.
Time
Myanmar Standard time (MST) is six hours and 30 minutes ahead of
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC).
Electricity
220 VOLT 50 HZ
Office Hours
Government and business- 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Shops-
10:00 am to 9:00 pm, usually Monday to Saturday.
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