Asian Network of Major Cities 21

The Nation's richest seaport and major city, Yangon was once known for its beauty and cleanliness. With it's tree-lined streets, shaded parks and gardens and big lakes, the city was labeled as the "PRINCESS OF ASIA". Originally a small fishing village named Dagon, it was renamed Yangon meaning "END OF STRIFE" after King Alaungpaya conquered lower Myanmar in 1755. The British refounded and its name changed to Rangoon. Rangoon became the capital city of Myanmar when the country regained its independence on 4th January 1948. The original name Yangon has been restored after the advent of the State Law and Order Restoration Council in 1988. Today the city covers an area of 300 sq miles, comprising 33 townships. Yangon wears a look of prosperity beyond recognition, with new high-rises such as condominiums, hotels, plazas, supermarkets and departmental stores.

Total area：　768ｋm²

Natural environment ：　 Parks, gardens and lakes combined with a moderate weather creates Yangon a very pleasant natural environment.

Climate / annual average temperature / annual average precipitation ：　 Tropical monsoon/27.3ºC/2,530mm

Urban problems ：　 With the resettlement of the squatters in five newly constructed Satellite towns, there are no serious problems except the occasional shortage of electricity.

Urban planning ：　 The Department of City Planning and Land Administration under Yangon City Development Committee handles daily routine such as transfer of land titles, sub-divisions of plots etc. Urban planning is coordinated by Yangon City Development Committee and Department of Housing and Human Settlement.

Ethnicity and language(s) ：　Burmar / Myammer

Population (2009)：　4,990,000

Outline：The agriculture is the vital organ of the Myammer economy as well as the basic part of it. In accordance with the Government's objective of transforming a state of conventional farming to mechanized farming initially, and translating this mechanized farming country into modern developed industrialized one, state owned sectors as well as cooperatives and private sectors are also actively taking part in the tasks.

Major industry and main produce ：　agro-industry, manufacturing, and tourism