BURMA (MYANMAR)- FACTS AND FIGURES

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Myanmar Information Page

Area: 676,552 km2

Population:45.4 million

Population Growth: 2.1 %

Capital: Yangon

System of Government: Military Council

Head of State and Prime Minister: Chairman of the SLORC, General Than Shwe

Key Government Ministers: U Ohn Gyaw, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Lieutenant-General Tun Kyi, Minister of Commerce; Lieutenant-General Maung Thint, Minister for Progress of Border Areas, National Races and Development Affairs.

Language: Myanmar

Literacy Rate: 83.1 (1995 UNESCO Estimate)

Ethnic Background: 68 % Burman, 9 % Shan, 7 % Karen, 4 % Rakhine, 3 % Chinese, 2 % Indian, 7 % Other

Religion: 87.2 % Buddhist, 5.6 % Christian, 3.6 % Muslim, 1 % Hindu, 2.6 Other

Currency: C$ 1.00 = Kyats

Burma Behaviour:

Myanmar Homepage: The Goldenland

• Given the Buddhist teaching of non-violence toward all creatures, animals, insects and humans, tolerance is second nature. The Myanmars are usually quite forgiving in their attitude toward others, and not inclined toward vindictiveness or vengeance. Visitors should make an effort to act in this same way to promote good relations.
• Monks are at the top of the social ranking of people deemed worthy of respect. Next come elders, high officials and the well-educated. These people should be deferred to and never contradicted directly, in order to avoid awkward situations from developing.
• Monks are forbidden from physical contact with females because of their vow of celibacy. So they will not shake hands with a woman, or for that matter with anyone else . To greet them, remove your shoes/slippers, and bow before them.
• When shopping, visitors may bargain in a good natured way, not aggressively. Don't lose your temper since it is kind of a game, and the seller would agree to your price if they could. It is better to start a bit lower than you're prepared to pay, so that you can go up a bit and then neither party loses face.
• Any tipping will be appreciated because of the good will behind this action, not only the actual tip itself. The person who tips will be percieved as kind and generous and remember, visitors are almost always perceived as being wealthier, even if this isn't the case.