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 Myanmar is twice the size of Germany. Charming, chaotic, controversial and serene, Myanmar remains to the visitor an intriguing country with over 135 ethnic groups making up a population of 55 million, a language which dates back 1,200 years, a rich and vibrant cultural tradition, and great natural beauty along with magnificent temple architecture. Myanmar, the land of gems, is best known for the three precious jewels Jade, Ruby and Pearl. And visitors will encounter warm and welcoming people wherever they go. Until recently Myanmar was one of Asia’s most inaccessible countries and visitors were restricted to a brief circuit of sites. As a result it is one of the least westernised countries in the world so that an enviable Buddhist way of life remains intact for us to explore and learn from.
Myanmar history is long and diverse and archaeological findings have suggested some areas have been inhabited for more than 2,500 years. The road to present day Myanmar however, is more easily traced back to the time when the great Myanmar King Anawrahta came to power in 1044. He was the first to consolidate the various groups into one kingdom and was also instrumental in the introduction of Theravada Buddhism, which was then, as it is today, the predominant religion in the country. After his death in 1077 the kingdom fell into disarray with conflicts occurring between the Mon and also with the Shan among others. Finally in the 16th century the Bamar (Burman) King Bayinnaung was able to unite all of Myanmar again. Following Bayinnaung’s death however, the kingdom once again fell into decline and the next major event was the takeover of lower Burma by the British in 1824 and the subsequent further colonization of middle and upper Burma by 1885. British colonial Burma was ruled from India as part of the British Empire.
The coming of WWII and growing Burmese nationalism eventually led to post war independence. Then came the ‘Burmese Road to Socialism’ under General Ne Win and Burma, nowadays called ‘Myanmar’, began to go deep into isolation. In recent years however the country has begun to open up to investment as well as to tourism and a steadily increasing number of travelers now make their way here to discover for themselves the cultural and visual treasures that make up the ‘magic of Myanmar’.
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