Where is Burma Located?

Where is Burma located on the map? Burma is an independent nation located in Southeastern Asia. Check out the following images to see location of Myanmar on maps.

Burma Location in World Map

Location Information of Burma (Myanmar)

Latitude and Longitude

Burma, officially known as Myanmar, is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Bangladesh and India to the west, China to the north and northeast, Laos and Thailand to the east, and the Andaman Sea to the south. The country lies between approximately 9.5° N latitude and 98.0° E longitude, stretching over 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) from north to south. Myanmar’s diverse geography includes coastal regions, fertile river deltas, mountains in the north and east, and vast central plains. Its location provides it with a rich natural environment, though political and social instability has hindered its development.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Naypyidaw

The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw, a purpose-built city located in the central part of the country. Naypyidaw was officially designated as the capital in 2005, replacing Yangon (Rangoon) as the seat of the government. The city was constructed with wide roads, government buildings, and hotels to accommodate officials, though it remains relatively sparsely populated with about 1 million people. Naypyidaw is organized into zones and has a more planned, modern design compared to Myanmar’s other cities. It is the political and administrative heart of the country, housing the Parliament and the presidential palace.

Major Cities

1. Yangon: The largest city in Myanmar, Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) is located in the south of the country near the Andaman Sea. With a population of over 5 million, Yangon serves as the economic and commercial hub of Myanmar. It is known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, a religious and cultural landmark. Yangon was the capital of Myanmar until the move to Naypyidaw in 2005, and it remains a significant city for trade, culture, and tourism.
2. Mandalay: Located in the central region of Myanmar, Mandalay is the second-largest city with a population of around 1.5 million. It is the cultural and historical heart of the country, being the last royal capital of Myanmar before British colonization. Mandalay is a city of religious and cultural significance, with Mandalay Hill, the Mahamuni Pagoda, and the U Bein Bridge, the longest teakwood bridge in the world, being popular tourist attractions.
3. Naypyidaw: As mentioned, Naypyidaw serves as Myanmar’s capital. Although it is a modern city in design, it has grown slowly in terms of population, with development often driven by the government. It has a number of government buildings, hotels, and parks but lacks the historical depth and vibrant market life seen in other major cities.
4. Bago: Located just northeast of Yangon, Bago is an important historical city, home to many ancient pagodas and temples, such as the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. It serves as an important religious and tourist destination with significant cultural heritage.
5. Taunggyi: Taunggyi, located in the Shan Hills, is the capital of Shan State in eastern Myanmar. With a population of around 150,000, Taunggyi is known for its cooler climate, tea plantations, and the Shan State People’s Park. The city is also famous for its hot air balloon festival.

Time Zone

Myanmar operates on Myanmar Time (MMT), which is UTC +6:30. The country does not observe daylight saving time. Myanmar Time is half an hour ahead of standard time in neighboring countries like India and Sri Lanka, and it aligns with other South Asian nations like Bangladesh but differs from countries like Thailand and China, which are in UTC +7.

Climate

Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, with variations in temperature and humidity depending on the region. The overall climate in Myanmar is influenced by its topography, including coastal regions, valleys, and mountains.

1. Dry Season (November to April)

During the dry season, temperatures are relatively high, especially in the lowlands and central plains. The dry season is also the peak tourist season when the weather is most pleasant. In cities like Yangon and Mandalay, daytime temperatures can range between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), while the evenings are cooler. The northeast monsoon winds bring dry conditions to the country, and rainfall is minimal during this period.

2. Wet Season (May to October)

The wet season is marked by high humidity and heavy rainfall, particularly along the coastal areas and the Andaman Sea coast. The rainy season occurs from May to October, with the heaviest rains falling in June, July, and August. The central and northern parts of the country tend to receive less rainfall compared to the coastal regions. Despite the heavy rainfall, temperatures remain high, and the season is known for being hot and humid. The rainy season can make travel difficult, especially in the rural areas.

3. Temperature

In general, Myanmar experiences hot temperatures year-round, but they can vary significantly based on the region. Coastal areas have a more moderate temperature, while inland regions can get very hot, especially during the dry season. Winter months (from November to February) are cooler, with temperatures dropping to 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in the central plains.

Economic Status

Myanmar has a developing economy, with agriculture, natural resources, and textiles playing key roles. The country has made significant progress in recent years, particularly since transitioning from military rule to a civilian government in the early 2010s. However, Myanmar’s economy remains heavily dependent on natural resources, including oil, gas, minerals, and agriculture, with substantial challenges related to political instability and infrastructure development.

1. Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of Myanmar’s economy, employing a large portion of the population. The country produces a variety of crops, including rice, maize, sugarcane, tea, and tobacco. Myanmar is also one of the world’s top producers of rice, and it is known for its jasmine rice exports. Agricultural development has been hindered by limited access to modern technology, irrigation, and transportation infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.

2. Natural Resources and Mining

Myanmar is rich in natural resources. The country has large reserves of jade, rubies, tin, and gold. Myanmar’s oil and natural gas reserves also play a vital role in the country’s energy sector. The mining industry contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and exports, though it faces challenges in regulation, transparency, and environmental sustainability.

3. Manufacturing and Textiles

The textile industry is another key contributor to Myanmar’s economy, particularly in the garment sector. The country exports a variety of textiles, especially to neighboring countries and Western markets. Despite the growing textile industry, Myanmar remains relatively underdeveloped in manufacturing compared to neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

4. Tourism

Tourism is an important sector for Myanmar, attracting visitors due to its rich cultural heritage, ancient cities, Buddhist temples, and natural beauty. Bagan, Inle Lake, and Yangon are among the most popular tourist destinations. In recent years, the government has focused on expanding the tourism industry, which holds significant potential for growth.

5. Challenges

Despite improvements in recent years, Myanmar’s economy faces challenges such as political instability, ethnic conflicts, corruption, and sanctions from the international community. The military coup in February 2021 has resulted in significant disruptions, leading to a contraction in the economy and increased uncertainty in the future.

Tourist Attractions

1. Bagan One of Myanmar’s most iconic sites, Bagan is home to over 2,000 ancient temples, pagodas, and monasteries spread across a vast plain. The Shwezigon Pagoda and the Ananda Temple are among the most notable, and tourists can enjoy exploring these ancient ruins via hot air balloon rides or bicycle tours. Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.
2. Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon) Located in the heart of Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a golden Buddhist stupa and one of the most revered sites in Myanmar. The pagoda is considered the holiest Buddhist temple in the country and is a stunning example of Myanmar’s rich cultural and religious history.
3. Inle Lake Inle Lake, located in the Shan Hills, is known for its floating gardens, stilt villages, and unique fishing techniques. Visitors can explore the lake by boat, see the local Intha people who practice unique fishing techniques, and visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. Inle Lake is also home to several monasteries, markets, and handicraft workshops.
4. Mandalay Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, is a hub for culture, religion, and history. Key attractions include the Mandalay Hill, Kuthodaw Pagoda, and the Royal Palace. Mandalay is also a gateway to nearby historical sites such as Amarapura and the U Bein Bridge, the longest teakwood bridge in the world.
5. Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda) The Golden Rock is a famous pilgrimage site located in Kyaiktiyo, about 160 kilometers from Yangon. The pagoda is known for its gold-leaf-covered rock, which appears to precariously balance on the edge of a mountain. It is a sacred Buddhist site and a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter Myanmar. Visas can be obtained through the Myanmar eVisa system for tourism purposes, allowing U.S. citizens to stay for 28 days. Alternatively, U.S. travelers can apply for a visa through the nearest Myanmar Embassy or Consulate. Passport validity should extend for at least six months beyond the planned arrival date.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

Distance to New York City

The distance from New York City to Naypyidaw (the capital of Myanmar) is approximately 13,000 kilometers (8,080 miles). Flights typically require at least one layover, with travel times ranging from 16 to 18 hours, depending on the specific flight route.

Distance to Los Angeles

The distance from Los Angeles to Naypyidaw is around 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles). Flights from Los Angeles typically require one or two stopovers, with total travel times ranging from 17 to 19 hours depending on the flight path and layovers.

Burma Facts

Size	676,578 km²
Residents	53.89 million
Language	Burmese
Capital	Naypyidaw
Longest river	Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy, 2,000 km)
Highest mountain	Hkakabo Razi (5,881 m)
Currency	Kyat