Rangoon

Rangoon
Name	Rangoon
Population total	~5,400,000
Population as of	2014
Population density km2	auto
Area total km2	598.75
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Maung Maung Soe
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Myanmar
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Yangon Region
Established title	Founded
Established date	c. 1028–1043 CE (as Dagon)
Timezone	Myanmar Standard Time

Rangoon. The former capital and largest city of Myanmar, serving as the nation's economic and cultural heart. Strategically located on the eastern bank of the Yangon River, it functions as the country's most significant port and a major commercial hub. The city is renowned for its colonial-era architecture, vibrant street life, and iconic Buddhist sites, most notably the Shwedagon Pagoda.

History

The area was originally a small Mon settlement known as Dagon, centered around the Shwedagon Pagoda. In 1755, King Alaungpaya conquered the region, renamed it Yangon, and established it as a new port city. After the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852, the British Empire annexed the city, making it the capital of British Burma and transforming its layout with a grid plan designed by engineers like Fraser and Montgomerie. It suffered significant damage during the Japanese occupation of Burma in World War II and was later the center of the 8888 Uprising against the State Peace and Development Council. The national capital was moved to Naypyidaw by the State Peace and Development Council in 2005.

Geography

The city is situated in the fertile Irrawaddy Delta at the convergence of the Yangon River and Bago River, approximately 30 kilometers from the Gulf of Martaban. Its topography is largely flat, with major green spaces including Kandawgyi Lake and Inya Lake. The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, influenced by the Southwest monsoon. The metropolitan area encompasses multiple townships such as Botataung, Kyauktada, and Tamwe.

Demographics

Rangoon is the most populous city in Myanmar, with a diverse ethnic makeup that includes the Bamar people, Karen people, Rakhine people, Chinese Burmese, and Indian Burmese communities. Burmese language is the lingua franca, with significant use of English language in business and education. The predominant religion is Theravada Buddhism, with major sites of worship including the Sule Pagoda and Botataung Pagoda, alongside Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism.

Economy

As the country's main economic engine, the city's economy is driven by its deep-water port, the Port of Yangon, which handles the majority of Myanmar's international trade. Key industries include shipbuilding, petroleum refining, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. The Yangon Stock Exchange is the nation's primary securities market, and the city is the headquarters for major corporations like Myanmar Economic Bank and Asia World Company. Major commercial districts are found in Downtown Yangon and along Pansodan Street.

Culture

The city is a cultural center, home to institutions like the National Museum of Myanmar and the Yangon Region Theatre. It hosts annual festivals such as the Thingyan water festival. The city's architectural landscape blends British colonial structures like the Strand Hotel and Yangon City Hall with traditional stupas. Culinary culture is highlighted in its street food markets, featuring dishes like Mohinga and Shan noodles. The University of Yangon has been a historic center for intellectual and political thought.

Government and politics

Rangoon is administered by the Yangon City Development Committee, with a mayor appointed by the national government. It is the capital of Yangon Region, whose chief minister is Phyo Min Thein. The city is a critical political arena, having been the site of major protests, including the Saffron Revolution. It is divided into four districts—West Yangon, East Yangon, South Yangon, and North Yangon—comprising over 30 townships.

Infrastructure

The city's primary international gateway is Yangon International Airport, with domestic flights from Air Mandalay. Public transportation relies heavily on the Yangon Circular Railway and an extensive network of buses. Major roadways include Pyay Road and Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. Healthcare is anchored by institutions like Yangon General Hospital and the University of Medicine, Yangon. The city draws power from the Ywama and Ahlone power stations.

Category:Populated places in Myanmar Category:Port cities in Asia Category:Former national capitals