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Capital: The capital was changed in a secret move in November 2005 from Yan Gon (Rangoon) to Pyinmana, now officially known as Yan Lon. Some government employees remain in Yan Gon. Transfer of the capital and government offices is expected by the end of January 2006. Airports: Yan Gon, Beik (Mergui, Meik), Dawei (Daway, Tavoy), Ye (Yay), Mawlamyine (Moulmein), Thandwe (Sandoway), Taunggyi, Nyaung-U, Mandalay, Kalewa Currency: The kyat is the basic monetary unit. For the current rate of exchange visit the Olson and Anderson web site. Time Zones: Current local time. Standard time is six hours and 30 minutes hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Languages: Burmese and indigenous languages. The Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University has extensive collections of links and information on language and culture for Southeast Asian nations including Myanmar (Burma). Visit the CIA World Fact Book for a large variety of particulars regarding Myanmar. Travel Advisories: Travelers should check the web sites listed on our international pages that provide advice of possible security and health risks when visiting this region. The web site for the Myanmar Embassy in Washington, DC has a good range of information for visitors. The Daw Aung San Suu Kyi web site presents important views on behalf of supporters of Aung San Suu Kyi [owng san soo kyee], winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. The Burma Fund web site is another resource for study of recent Burmese history and its people Recommended Reading: Lonely Planet - Burmese phrasebook | Myanmar (Burma) |
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