EN
Myanmar
MYANMAR OVERVIEW
Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is a Southeast Asian country known as Burma (the official name until 1989). It is the largest country by land area in Mainland Southeast Asia, with a population of approximately 54 million people in 2017. It is bounded to the northwest by Bangladesh and India, to the northeast by China, to the east and southeast by Laos and Thailand, and the south and southwest by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Naypyidaw is the country’s capital, and Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is its largest city.
CULTURE
Although many indigenous cultures exist in Myanmar, Buddhism and Bamar are the dominant cultures. The cultures of neighboring countries influenced Bamar culture. It manifests itself in language, cuisine, music, dance, and theater. Burmese Southern Buddhist culture has historically influenced art, particularly literature. If Myanmar’s national epic, Yama Zatdaw, is considered an adaptation of the Ramayana, it draws heavily on Thai, Mon, and Indian texts from the play. Buddhism is deeply ingrained in culture and forms the foundation of Myanmar culture.
FESTIVAL
This region is a country with the most festivals in the world. The festivals here take place all year round, but mainly focus on March and April, which are the periods when leisurely farming. The festivals here are extremely unique and interesting, attracting more people to come here. This land welcomes the new year in April, unlike Vietnam and some countries around the world. On their New Year’s Day, there is a water festival, they use water to splash each other with the hope of washing away the dirt of the year. The old year welcomes a luckier and happier new year. Tourists traveling at this time also mingle with the flow of Myanmar people, splashing water and having fun on the streets…
CUISINE
Myanmar cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian, Chinese, Thai, and other culinary cultures of ethnic minorities. Rice is the main dish in Myanmar cuisine. Noodles and bread are also popular side dishes. Myanmar cuisine frequently incorporates shrimp, fish, fermented fish pate, pork, and lamb. Beef, which is considered unclean, is rarely used. Masala and dried chilies are also used in curries. Mohinga is a curry-spiced catfish broth with green bean flowers, vermicelli, and fish sauce that is often considered Myanmar’s national dish. Tropical fruits are frequently used in desserts. Shan, Chinese, and Indian cuisines are available in major cities.
Nan Gyi Thoke
Mohinga
Kyaw − Fried snacks
Myanmar Shrimp Curry