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Myanmar (Burma)...
"Handy Info"
The Land
Myanmar is the name, which has long been used by its people to describe their homeland, which the British called Burma. Geographically, Myanmar is the largest mainland in South East Asia sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. With a total area of 676,577 square kilometers, it's twice the size of Vietnam and approximately the size of Britain and France combined.

The People
Myanmar is a union of many nationalities with as many as 135 groups with their own languages and dialects. The term "Myanmar" embraces all nationalities, the Bamar, the Kachi, the kayin, the Mon, the Rakhine and the Shan. The Bamars make up 68% of the total population of over 43 million.

Religion
Theravada Buddhism is the predominate religion with 80% of the population embracing it. The balance is made up of Christians, Muslims and Hindus

History
Myanmar's greatness in history dates back to the 11th century when king Anawrahta consolidated the into the first Myanmar Empire in Bagan (Pagan) well before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Bagan Empire encompasses the entire Menam Valley in Thailand and lasted 2 centuries. The Bagan dynasty collapsed with the invasion of the Mongols under Kublai Khan in the 13th century. King Alaungpaya founded the Third Myanmar Empire in 1752. It was during the zenith of the Konbaung Dynasty that the British moved into Myanmar. Myanmar became a British colony after the 3 Alnglo-Myanmar wars in the period of 1824 to 1885. During World War II, Myanmar was occupied by Japanese from 1942 until the turn of the Allied Forces in 1945. Myanmar became a sovereign independent state on 4th January, after more than 100 years of British colonial administration.
Culture
Myanmar lies in a meeting place of two of the world's great civilisations - China and India - but it's culture is neither that of India nor China exclusively but a blend of both, interspersed with Myanmar's native traits and characteristics. The people have preserved the tradition of close family ties, respect for the elder, reverence for Buddhism and simple native dress. Myanmar people are fun loving and festivals form the centre of Myanmar's social life - each month has it's own festive occasion. The people are known for their hospitality and friendliness.
Climate
The year is generally divided into 3 seasons - the hot season from March to May, the rainy season is from June to October and the cool season from November to February, the best months to travel. The temperate seldom drops below 70°C in lower Burma, although it can be cold in the mountain regions such as Taunggyi and Maymyo.

Customs
After arrival, pick up your luggage, proceed to a Customs counter and present your passport and Customs declaration form, which is given to you on your arrival flight. You must declare electrical goods and appliances, cameras, jewellery and foreign currencies in excess of US$2,000. Upon leaving the arrival area, present your passport and a copy of your declaration form - at this point your luggage may be inspected. You must keep a copy of the Customs declaration form to be presented when you leave Myanmar.

Duty-Free Allowance
2 bottles of liquor, 2 cartons of cigarettes of 100 cigars and ½ litre of perfume.

Money
Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) are issued to visitors by the Central Bank of Myanmar to use during their stay. It is compulsory for individual travellers holding a tourist visa to change, on arrival, a minimum of US$300 with 300 Foreign Exchange Certificate units. These FECs are acceptable by any person in Myanmar and can be used for payments of meals, sightseeing, transport, souvenirs, etc. Children under 12 years of age and members of a package group tour where all meals and sightseeing is included are exempt. The local currency is Kyat (pronounced "chat" and the official rate is approx.6.5 kyats to the US$. On the black market you can get between 60 to 100. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are accepted at all major hotels.

Airport Tax
When leaving Myanmar, you must pay an airport tax of US$6.00 before check-in.

Shopping
Export of antiques and archaeologically valuable items are prohibited. It is recommended that gems, jewellery and silverware are purchased at authorised shops where you will be given a voucher with a permit for export.

Vaccinations & Health
None are required unless arriving in infected area. For protection against malaria and dengue fever, use insect repellent regularly and cover yourself with light-weight clothing. Sleep with the windows closed or with mosquito netting. Anti-malaria tables are recommended. Consult your doctor as to the type you take.

Visa
A tourist visa for a stay of up to 28 days is issued by the Myanmar Embassy in Canberra. Three photos, three completed visa application forms, your passport and $30.00 plus courier fees are required together with the name of the company taking care of your arrangements in Myanmar.

Clothing
A s the weather is normally warm and dry, light clothing and comfortable shoes or sandals are recommended. Tourists are expected to dress decently (no shorts or skimpy tops) within the precincts of religious places. It's considered the height of disrespect and bad manners not to take off your shoes before entering a pagoda. This includes the long flights of steps leading up the pagodas, which are often not very clean! In the years leading up to the first Anglo-Burmese war, the Burmese became particularly exasperated with the British who often disregard this custom.