Myanmar: flag, capital, currency and history
Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is a country in South-Eastern Asia, Asia. Its capital is Naypyidaw. The currency is the Burmese kyat. Languages spoken include Burmese.
Quick facts about Myanmar
- Official name
- Republic of the Union of Myanmar
- Capital
- Naypyidaw
- Region
- Asia, South-Eastern Asia
- Currency
- Burmese kyat (MMK, Ks)
- Languages
- Burmese
- Calling code
- +95
- Internet domain
- .mm
- Area
- 676,578 km² (261,228 sq mi)
- Land borders
- Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Thailand
- Demonym
- Burmese
- National day
- Independence Day, January 4
Flag of Myanmar
Download the flag of Myanmar as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇲🇲.
History of Myanmar
The Irrawaddy valley was home to the Pyu city-states and Mon kingdoms before the Bamar-led Pagan Kingdom rose in the 9th century. After its fall in the late 13th century, later dynasties such as the Taungoo and Konbaung reunified much of the region. Three wars with Britain in the 19th century ended with annexation into British India in 1886. Independence came in 1948, followed by parliamentary rule, a military takeover in 1962 and a long period of army-dominated government, with a further coup in 2021. The country is a Southeast Asian republic with Naypyidaw as its capital.
Key dates
- 849Traditional founding date of the city of Bagan, later centre of the Pagan Kingdom.
- 1287The Pagan Kingdom collapses following Mongol invasions.
- 1752Alaungpaya founds the Konbaung dynasty, the last Burmese royal dynasty.
- 1824The first Anglo-Burmese War begins, the first of three wars with Britain.
- 1886Britain annexes the remainder of Burma and makes it a province of British India.
- 1948Burma becomes independent from Britain on 4 January.
- 1962A military coup led by Ne Win overthrows the civilian government.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Myanmar
Myanmar uses the Burmese kyat (MMK, Ks). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Festivals and greetings in Myanmar
Celebrations observed in Myanmar, with free greeting images and wishes you can personalise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Myanmar?
The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw.
What currency does Myanmar use?
Myanmar uses the Burmese kyat (MMK, symbol Ks).
What languages are spoken in Myanmar?
Languages used in Myanmar include Burmese.
What is the calling code of Myanmar?
The international calling code of Myanmar is +95. Its internet domain is .mm.
Which countries border Myanmar?
Myanmar shares land borders with Bangladesh, China, India, Laos and Thailand.
On which continent is Myanmar?
Myanmar is in Asia, in the region of South-Eastern Asia.
What is the national day of Myanmar?
Myanmar marks Independence Day on January 4.
Neighbours of Myanmar
More countries in South-Eastern Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).