Yangon

Yangon (also known as Rangoon) is the largest city in Myanmar (formerly Burma), and was the country's capital until 2006. It is a major hub for the country's commerce, industry, real estate, media, entertainment and tourism.

History

Yangon was founded as Dagon in the early 11th century (1028–1043) by the Mon people. Dagon was a small fishing village centered about the Shwedagon Pagoda. In 1755, King Alaungpaya conquered Dagon, renamed it "Yangon". The British captured Yangon during the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–26), but returned it to Burmese administration after the war. The city was destroyed by a fire in 1841.

Geography

Yangon is located in Lower Burma (Myanmar) at the convergence of the Yangon and Bago Rivers about 30 km away from the Gulf of Martaban. The city is situated in a low-lying delta region.

Economy

Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar and has the greatest number of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia. Today, Yangon is the commercial capital and the main gateway to Myanmar. The city's infrastructure is relatively undeveloped compared to those of other major cities in Southeast Asia.

Culture

Yangon is home to numerous ethnic groups, with the Bamar people forming the majority. The city is also home to sizable communities of Indians, Chinese, and other ethnic minorities. The city is known for its colonial architecture, which although decaying and beyond appreciation, remains an almost unique example of a 19th-century British colonial capital.

Education

Yangon is the most important educational center in Myanmar with numerous schools, colleges and universities. The city is home to the country's oldest university, Yangon University.

Transport

Yangon is served by the Yangon International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in the country. The city's circular train system is the local commuting system with 39 stations around the city.

See also

• Bamar people
• Yangon University
• Shwedagon Pagoda

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