Burma Geography

What is the terrain and geography like in Burma?

Overview

Burma (also known as Myanmar), with an area of 262,000 square miles, is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia. Rangoon (also called Yangon), the capital (population of about 5.5 million), is Burma’s largest city. Mandalay (population 700,000) is second. Burma’s population is about 49 million.

Rangoon is Burma’s most important port for both domestic and foreign trade. Located on the Yangon River, 30 miles north of the Gulf of Martaban, it serves not only oceangoing freighters and tankers but also river steamers and country craft that ply Rangoon’s major waterways. The city is built on flat lowland bounded on three sides by the Pazundaung Creek and the Yangon and Hlaing Rivers. The surrounding countryside consists of rice paddies, patches of brush, and occasional rubber plantations.

Geography - note

Strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes

Climate

Located in the Southeast Asian monsoon belt, Rangoon has a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: monsoon, cool, and hot. During the monsoon season, mid-May through mid-October, Rangoon receives most of its 100-inch plus average annual rainfall. Temperatures are moderate (75°F-90°F), but relative humidity is high. During the monsoon, dampness and mildew can cause serious damage to clothing, furniture, books, records, electrical appliances, and leather goods.

In mid-November, after a brief period of warm, humid weather, the cool season begins from then until March, weather is pleasant (60°F-90°F) with lower humidity and almost no rain. Days are sunny and clear; nights are cool. In March, temperatures and humidity rise until the monsoon begins in mid-May. During the March-May hot season, the weather is hot and humid, usually rising in the day to over 100°F. As at most tropical posts, insects and snakes are numerous year-round.

Burma Use of Natural Resources

Burma Environment

Climate:

Terrain:

Central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands

Natural Resources:

Petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower

Natural Hazards:

Destructive earthquakes and cyclones; flooding and landslides common during the rainy season (June to September); periodic droughts

Irrigated Land:

8,147 Square Miles
21,100 Square Kilometers

Environmental Issues:

Deforestation; industrial pollution of air, soil, and water; inadequate sanitation and water treatment contribute to disease

Environment - International Agreements:

Party To: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 83, Tropical Timber 94

signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

Burma Geography

Geographic Location	Southeast Asia
Total Area	261,227 Square Miles 676,578 Square Kilometers
Land Area	252,319 Square Miles 653,508 Square Kilometers
Water Area	8,907 Square Miles 23,070 Square Kilometers
Land Boundaries	3,651 Miles 5,876 Kilometers
Irrigated Land	8,147 Square Miles 21,100 Square Kilometers
Border Countries	Bangladesh 193 km, China 2,185 km, India 1,463 km, Laos 235 km, Thailand 1,800 km
Coastline	1,199 Miles 1,930 Kilometers
Geographic Coordinates	22 00 N, 98 00 E
Terrain	Central lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands
Highest Point	5,881 Meters
Highest Point Location	Hkakabo Razi 5,881 m
Lowest Point Location	Andaman Sea 0 m
Natural Resources	Petroleum, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, some marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, hydropower
Time Zone	UTC+6.5 (11.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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