Mandalay

Mandalay is the second-largest city and the last royal capital of Myanmar. Located 716 km (445 mi) north of Yangon on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River, the city has a population of 1,225,553 (2014 census).

History

Mandalay was founded in 1857 by King Mindon, replacing Amarapura as the new royal capital of the Konbaung dynasty. It was the last royal capital of Myanmar before the country was annexed by the British in 1885. However, Mandalay remains a significant cultural and economic hub of Upper Myanmar.

Geography

Mandalay is located in the central dry zone of Myanmar by the Irrawaddy River and lies 64.75 meters (212.5 feet) above sea level. Its standard time zone is UTC/GMT +6:30 hours.

Economy

Mandalay is the economic hub of Upper Myanmar and considered the center of Burmese culture. A continuing influx of Chinese immigrants, mostly from Yunnan Province, in the past twenty years, has reshaped the city's ethnic makeup and increased commerce with China.

Culture

Despite Naypyidaw's recent rise, Mandalay remains Upper Myanmar's main commercial, educational and health center. The city is home to the Mandalay University, the University of Medicine, Mandalay and several other educational and commercial institutes.

Tourism

Mandalay is a major tourism destination, with many remnants of the old royal capital still visible today. The city is known for its cultural and Buddhist education centers.

See also

• History of Myanmar
• Culture of Myanmar
• Economy of Myanmar
• Tourism in Myanmar

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