Yangon is a region of importance nestled on the south-central part of Myanmar. Yangon is the capital of the Yangon region and the erstwhile capital of Myanmar. It is also the current commercial capital of the country as well as Yangon's largest city. The city houses a large number of colonial-era buildings in Southeast Asia and has a unique colonial-era urban core that has been maintained over the years. The area around the Sule Pagoda is more than 2000 years old and is the commercial core of the city. Yangon is a vibrant city in flux and undergoing modernisation and also one of the most attractive cities in southeast Asia. Yangon is home to the nation’s most beloved landmark, the glorious Shwedagon Pagoda. The city was founded by King Alaungpaya of the Kone Baung Dynasty when he took the village of Dagon in 1755. He named the settlement Yangon which means 'end of strife”. It has a unique charm with tree-lined streets, serene parks and tranquil lakes combined with the hustle and bustle of street vendors and thriving markets. Recent years have seen the modernisation of the urban landscape but Yangon still boasts the highest concentration of colonial heritage in the region
Origin
People from Myanmarese, Chinese, Indian and Engalo lineages live in Yangon. People mostly speak Myanmar/Burmese and English and follow Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.
Geography
Yangon has a mild climate and is generally warm throughout the year. It is bordered by Bago Region, Ayeyarwady Region, Kayin State and Mon State and extends across 576 km2.
Interesting facts
Yangon city, the former capital of Myanmar is the capital of Yangon region. Yangon is home to 5.21 million people
The city of Yangon was founded by King Alaungphaya in the 18th century. Formerly the administrative capital of the country, the metropolis remains the top commercial hub in Myanmar with the port and the international airport as its main point of entry. The national pride of Yangon, the world famous Shwedagon Pagoda is located in Yangon. Besides many pagodas, Yangon also has the National Museum and Bogyoke Market, attractive places for tourists to visit. Yangon has a wonderful array of colonial-era buildings to explore. The best way to discover them and the downtown area is on foot. The vibrant colours of street life, markets and people buy with their livelihoods have to be seen to be believed. Tourists who prefer to be on the move can ride the 46-km long Yangon circular railway and catch the glimpses of the day-to-day lives of the city's inhabitants and experience their warm and friendly nature.
Yangon is home to innumerable pagodas, some of whom hold tremendous importance in the country's history. Yangon houses the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most iconic pagoda of Myanmar. It is an integral part of the Yangon skyline. The Shwedagon Pagoda is located beside the Kandawgyi Lake. The view of sunset from this pagoda is breathtaking. Yangon also houses several other pagoda which hold importance in Myanmar. Sule Pagoda is also worth visiting, as are Chauk Htet Gyi (home to an enormous reclining Buddha), Botahtaung, Kabar Aye, Mae La Mu, Koe Htet Kyi, Swal Daw, Ngar Htat Gyi, Arr Lein Ngar Sint and Mindama. Yangon is home to a myriad of sacred places of worship from mosques, Hindu temples, churches, cathedrals and a synagogue. And for those who prefer to commune with nature, the parks offer plenty of opportunities to practice communal Tai Chi and yoga as the sun rises and the mists lift.
Although an incredibly busy city with eclectic architecture and an everchanging landscape, Yangon has a wealth of large verdant spaces such as Bogyoke Park, People’s Park and Inya Lake. Heritage-rich downtown is a bustling hive of activity, yet even here there is an oasis of green with refreshing fountains in Maha Bandula Park, home to Independence Monument and imposing statues of the mythical Chinthe (lion). The area beyond the main city centre of Yangon is suitably surrounded by lush gardens and leafy trees. Tourists can take a gentle stroll in the tropical woods surrounding the big green spaces like Kandawgyi Lake, Bogyoke Park, People's Park and Inya Lake. Yangon has many markets worth visiting, Bogyoke Market being the most popular. It has more than 2,000 shops and a big selection of handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, gems, jewellery, antiques and art galleries.
