Geography
Where is Myanmar located?
Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Bangladesh and India to the northwest, China to the northeast, Laos to the east, and Thailand to the southeast. It also has a coastline along the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to the south and southwest.
What is the former name of the Myanmar?
Burma
Which legendary river forms the western border of Myanmar?
The Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy)
What famous ancient city, nicknamed "City of a Thousand Temples," is located in central Myanmar?
Bagan
What is the world's largest natural freshwater lake located entirely within a single country found in Myanmar?
Inle Lake
Which iconic mountain range runs along the eastern border of Myanmar?
The Shan Hills
Culture and History
What is the official language of Myanmar, spoken by a majority of the population?
Burmese
What traditional garment, often made of silk, is worn by both men and women in Myanmar?
The longyi
What is the national dish of Myanmar, featuring a fermented tea leaf salad mixed with various ingredients?
Lahpet Thoke
What iconic landmark, considered the holiest Buddhist site in Myanmar, is covered in gold leaf?
Shwedagon Pagoda
In which year did Myanmar gain independence from British rule?
1948
Nature and Animals
Which endangered primate species can be found in the rainforest regions of Myanmar?
The Burmese snub-nosed monkey
What type of tree, known for its fragrant resin used in incense and perfumes, is native to Myanmar?
Agarwood
Which national park in Myanmar is home to the largest population of Asian elephants in the country?
Mingaladon National Park
What aquatic animal, known for its long, graceful neck and filter-feeding habits, is found in the rivers and lakes of Myanmar?
The Irrawaddy dolphin
Which colorful bird, nicknamed the "fairy bluebird" for its vibrant plumage, is found in the forests of Myanmar?
The common kingfisher
Fun Facts
What unique currency is used in Myanmar, featuring denominations known as "kyats" and "pyas"?
The Burmese kyat
What traditional greeting involves pressing the palms of the hands together and bowing slightly?
The wai
Which sport enjoys immense popularity in Myanmar, often played barefoot on sandy pitches?
Sepak takraw (chinlone)
What traditional form of puppetry utilizes marionettes controlled by strings attached to rods held above the stage?
Yoke thé
What type of festival, celebrated in November, features thousands of colorful balloons launched into the sky?
Tazaungdaing Light Festival
Advanced
What unique archeological site in Pyu, considered one of Southeast Asia's oldest urban centers, features ancient burial mounds?
Sri Ksetra
Which influential poet, known for his use of symbolism and political commentary, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925?
Rabindranath Tagore (though not specifically from Myanmar, greatly influenced Burmese literature)
What ethnic minority group, known for their distinctive long ears decorated with rings, faces ongoing human rights challenges in Myanmar?
The Kayan (Padaung)
In what year did Myanmar's military assume control of the government, leading to widespread international condemnation?
2021
Which indigenous musical instrument, resembling a xylophone but made from bamboo strips, is used in traditional Burmese music?
The pat waing
Bonus
What traditional Burmese martial art utilizes kicks, punches, and weapons in rhythmic choreography?
Banshay (Burmese boxing)
Which unique natural phenomenon, occurring in Inle Lake, features thousands of floating gardens created by weaving together aquatic plants?
Floating gardens of Inle Lake