10 fun and interesting Myanmar facts

1. A Country of Incredible Topographical Diversity

Myanmar is a country of incredible topographical diversity, boasting everything from snow-capped alpine mountains in the north to lush tropical forests in the south. In between, the country is home to a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and even a desert. This rich variety of landscapes makes Myanmar a unique and fascinating place to explore.

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2. Overweight = Good Health, Prosperity

In Myanmar, being overweight is seen as a sign of good health and prosperity. This is a stark contrast to many other countries, where being overweight is often viewed as a sign of poor health. In Myanmar, plumpness is seen as a sign of wealth and good fortune, and is highly valued. This is why many people in Myanmar strive to gain weight, as it is seen as a sign of success.

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3. Rice is More Than Just a Staple Diet in Myanmar

In Myanmar, rice is more than just a staple diet - it's a way of life. Every meal is served with a plate of rice, accompanied by a side dish of fish, curry, chicken, or fish/noodle soup. To top it off, green tea is a must-have accompaniment to every Burmese meal, making it a truly unique and delicious culinary experience.

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4. Myanmar's Betel Nut is a National Snack

In Myanmar, betel nut is a hugely popular snack, with people chewing on it throughout the day. It is so popular that it is often referred to as the "national snack" of the country. Betel nut is chewed for its stimulating effects, and is often mixed with other ingredients such as tobacco, spices, and lime. It is widely available in markets and roadside stalls, and is a popular choice for those looking for a quick and inexpensive snack.

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5. Myanmar's Unique Boxing Sport

In Myanmar, boxing is a popular sport that is played with unique and often violent rules. The winner is determined by who draws blood first, making it a particularly intense and thrilling form of combat. This type of boxing is widely enjoyed across the country, and is a great way to experience the culture and traditions of Myanmar.

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6. Monday, Friday, and your birthday: avoid haircuts in Myanmar

In Myanmar, there is a widespread superstition around cutting hair, with many people avoiding haircuts on Mondays, Fridays, and their birthdays. This superstition has a significant impact on barber shops, as it eliminates a large portion of potential business days.

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7. A culturally diverse country with a rich and vibrant culture

Myanmar is a culturally diverse country, with over 135 ethnic tribes. The largest of these is the Barmese, who make up an impressive 68% of the population. This ethnic group is known for its unique customs and traditions, which have been passed down through generations. From the traditional dress of the Barmese people to the music and dance of the region, Myanmar is a country with a rich and vibrant culture.

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8. Once the wealthiest country in South East Asia

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, was once the wealthiest country in South East Asia during the British colonial period. This was due to its abundance of natural resources, such as timber, oil, and minerals, as well as its strategic location along the Bay of Bengal. The country was also a major producer of rice, rubber, and opium, which were exported to the United Kingdom and other countries. As a result, Myanmar was able to enjoy a period of economic prosperity and growth during the British rule.

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9. Myanmar's Largest WW2 Cemetery: Taukkyan

Myanmar is home to the Taukkyan cemetery, one of the three largest World War II cemeteries in the world. Spanning over 617 acres, the cemetery is located in the outskirts of Yangon and is the final resting place for over 6,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives during the war. It is also the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world, and is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom.

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10. Myanmar's Wine-Making Industry Is Thriving

Myanmar may not be well-known for its wine-making industry, but it is certainly a popular one. From Sauvignon to Chardonnay, Late Wine to Inle Valley White Wine, there is a wide variety of wines produced in this country. In fact, the Inle Valley White Wine is particularly noteworthy, as it is made from grapes grown in the Inle Valley, a region known for its unique climate and soil composition. With such a variety of wines available, it's no wonder that Myanmar's wine-making industry is thriving.