1. Uniqueness in Name:
Until 1989, Myanmar was known as Burma. The then military government changed the name to Myanmar, suggesting that 'Burma' was a relic of British imperialism and that the fresh title was more attuned to the country's cultural diversity. However, it continues to be a controversial matter, with some countries acknowledging this name change while others do not.
2. An Abode to the world's biggest book:
Myanmar is often recognized as the home of the world’s largest book. Located at the Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay, the 'book' comprises 729 marble slabs, each housed in its individual shrines or "kyauksa gu". Etched onto each slab is a page of teachings from the Tripitaka, the sacred book of Theravada Buddhism.
3. Thanaka – Myanmar's signature cosmetic:
In Myanmar, one usually can't go too long without seeing women and children with a creamy paste called Thanaka smeared on their faces. It's a traditional natural sunscreen, made from ground bark, and is believed to help remove acne and promote smooth skin. Used for over 2000 years, applying Thanaka is a unique beauty ritual in this Southeast Asian country.
4. Diversity in its true form:
Myanmar is an incredibly diverse country when it comes to its people. It boasts an estimated 135 different ethnic groups, each with its own history, culture, and language. The government officially recognizes 135 ethnic minorities aside from the major ethnic group, the Bamar.
5. Celebrating New Year with Water:
Myanmar is famed for its water festival known as Thingyan, which marks the Burmese New Year. Held usually in mid-April, it is the country's largest and most joyfully celebrated event. People take to the streets for merry water fights, an act of washing away sins and signify the arrival of the monsoon season.
6. Gold-Coated Spiritual Site:
There's a lot of gold in Myanmar, but it's not all in mines. The Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar, is coated with hundreds of solid gold plates and adorned with around 7,000 diamonds and other precious gems.
7. Chewable Stimulant - Betel Nut:
Betel nut chewing is a customary practice in Myanmar. The nut, along with slaked lime, is packed in a leaf with flavorful add-ins like tobacco, cloves, and cardamom. Its effects are similar to drinking multiple cups of coffee! However, it also has detrimental health impacts, including oral cancer.
8. Land of Temples:
Myanmar houses an archaeological wonderland of Bagan boasting around 2,000 remaining religious edifices of an initial 10,000 that were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. The temples, pagodas, and monasteries form an awe-inspiring skyline, particularly at sunset.
9. Traditional Attire is the Norm:
As part of everyday dress, most of the people in Myanmar wear a traditional garment known as a longyi. This sarong-style attire is wrapped around the waist and worn by both men and women, and it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
10. Myanmar's Peculiar Fisherman:
In Myanmar's Inle Lake, one can marvel at the one-legged rowing style of Myanmar's Intha fishermen. They wrap one leg around a single oar, leaving their hands free to manipulate the conical fishing net. This rowing technique is unique to this particular area.
11. Nibban (Nirvana) Breeds:
Myanmar is the world's largest breeder of 'derby and cob' rubies. Also known as 'Mother of Rubies,' the 'Mogok Valley' is one of the world's most prolific deposits of pigeon blood rubies, recognized as the symbol of nibban (nirvana) to many Buddhists.
12. Currency Superstition:
Myanmar has an unusual financial system filled with seemingly irrational superstitions. For instance, the 45 kyat note was introduced in 1987, the year ruled by number 9 according to the zodiac. As 4+5 equals 9, the regime believed it would bring prosperity and luck.
13. Chindwin River - the Tectonic Wonder:
This deep and wide river is one of two major tributaries to the famous Ayeyarwady River and is located along a tectonic fault line that separates two distinct massifs - the Burma Platelet and the Eurasian Platelet.
14. World's Largest Reclining Buddha:
In the city of Mudon, near Mawlamyine, you can see the largest reclining Buddha in the world, which measures 180 metres (590 ft) long!
15. Trauma Healing Elephants:
The Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Kalaw, Myanmar, is a timber logging camp turned sanctuary for retired and injured elephants. Visitors can engage in ethical elephant tourism and contribute to their conservation.
16. Wine Production:
Though not traditionally associated with wine, Myanmar's southern Shan State features two vineyards–Red Mountain and Aythaya. They produce a variety of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Tempranillo, thanks to the perfect mix of a temperate climate and high altitude.
17. Moken Sea Nomads:
Living mostly in the Mergui Archipelago, the Moken, or Sea Gypsies, are an ethnic group in Myanmar. They still live in harmony with nature, relying on the ocean for their sustenance.
18. Myanmar’s Strategic Position:
Myanmar forms the physical link between South Asia and Southeast Asia. Its strategic position has made it a crossroads for trade and culture, allowing a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian influences.
19. "Chin Lone" or Cane Ball:
Chin Lone, or caneball, is a traditional Myanmarese sport that you'll often see played throughout the country. It combines martial arts, dance and sport, and is often seen as more of an art form rather than a competitive sport.
20. Diversity in Wildlife:
Despite facing intensive deforestation, Myanmar is rich in biodiversity with more than 28,000 known species of flora and over 1,000 bird species. Among its wildlife are rare species such as the Indochinese tiger, Asian elephant, Irrawaddy dolphin, and the Ayeyarwady bulbul, a bird species discovered only in late 2019.