Yangon

Yangon
Name	Yangon
Native name	ရန်ကုန်
Settlement type	City
Coordinates	16, 51, N, 96...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Myanmar
Subdivision type1	Region
Subdivision name1	Yangon Region
Established title	Founded
Established date	c. 1028–1043 CE (as Dagon)
Founder	Mon
Government type	Mayor–Council
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Bo Htay (as Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee)
Area total km2	598.75
Elevation m	15
Population total	5,367,000
Population as of	2024
Population density km2	auto

Yangon. Formerly known as Rangoon, it is the largest city and a principal commercial hub of Myanmar. Situated on the fertile delta of the Irrawaddy River, it served as the national capital until the government's relocation to Naypyidaw in 2005. The city is renowned for its colonial-era architecture, vibrant street life, and iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, a major pilgrimage site that dominates its skyline.

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 a new town. Under British colonial rule following the Second Anglo-Burmese War, it was developed as the commercial and administrative capital of British Burma, with its grid layout and many surviving buildings designed by Italian architects like Enrico Cattaneo. Heavily damaged during World War II and the subsequent Battle of Yangon, it was rebuilt and remained the capital after independence in 1948. The city was a focal point during major political upheavals, including the 8888 Uprising and the Saffron Revolution.

Geography and climate

The city lies in the Yangon Region on the eastern bank of the Yangon River, approximately 30 kilometers north of its confluence with the Gulf of Martaban. Its topography is flat, with significant lakes like Inya Lake and Kandawgyi Lake. It features a tropical monsoon climate under the Köppen climate classification, with a distinct rainy season from May to October influenced by the Southwest monsoon, a cooler dry season from November to February, and a hot pre-monsoon period from March to April. It is situated in an active seismic zone, with tremors periodically felt from the Sagaing Fault.

Demographics and culture

The population is predominantly Bamar, with significant communities of Chinese, Indian, Karen, and Rakhine descent. Burmese is the primary language, with English widely used in business. The majority practices Theravada Buddhism, evident in numerous pagodas and monasteries, alongside Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. The city is the center of Burmese cinema, hosting the Myanmar Motion Picture Museum, and is home to major cultural institutions like the National Museum of Myanmar and the University of Yangon.

Economy

It remains the country's most important commercial center, handling over 80% of foreign trade through its Port of Yangon. Key industries include garment manufacturing, agricultural processing, timber, and pharmaceuticals. The city's Yangon Stock Exchange is the nation's main bourse. Major markets include the Bogyoke Aung San Market and the Theingyi Market. Economic development is overseen by entities like the Yangon City Development Committee and the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings.

Government and administration

The city is administered by the Yangon City Development Committee, led by a mayor. It is also the capital of Yangon Region, which has its own regional government and High Court of the Yangon Region. The city is divided into four districts—West, East, South, and North—comprising 33 townships. Key government complexes include the Ministers' Office and the Yangon City Hall.

Transport

The city is served by the Yangon International Airport, the nation's busiest airport. Its circular Yangon Circular Railway provides commuter service, while the main Yangon Central Railway Station is a hub for journeys to Mandalay and other cities. Public transit primarily relies on buses, with major terminals like the Aung San Stadium Bus Terminal. The Yangon River remains a vital conduit for ferries and cargo vessels.

Landmarks and notable places

The gilded Shwedagon Pagoda is the most sacred site. The downtown area features colonial-era landmarks such as the Strand Hotel, the Supreme Court Building, and the Immanuel Baptist Church. Other significant sites include the Sule Pagoda, the Botataung Pagoda, the Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple, and the Mahabandoola Garden. The Yangon Zoological Gardens and the Bogyoke Aung San Museum are also notable attractions.

Category:Yangon Category:Populated places in Yangon Region Category:Former national capitals