Area: 257,500 square miles, the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia containing snow-capped mountain ranges, high plateaus, fertile central plains of rice fields along the artery of the Irrawaddy River.

Population: 43 million, consisting of three major groups (the Mon-Khmers, Tibeto-Bamars and Thai-Shans). The Bamars make up about 69% of the population.

Capital: Yangon (formerly Rangoon), situated at the mouth of the Irrawaddy delta, with a population of 3.3 million.

Economy: Myanmar is a major producer of rice, and exporter of teak and other hard woods. It is famous for its jade and gems such as rubies and sapphires.

Climate: Lowlands have tropical weather with high temperatures and rain between May and October, dry heat the rest of the year. The hill stations are cooler. The best time for visitors is October to March.

Language: Myanmar and various local languages. English is widely spoken.

Time: GMT plus 6 1/2.

Currency: Kyat