Adopted in 2010
| Capital | Naypyidaw |
|---|---|
| Population | 54 500 091 inh. |
| Area | 676 590 km² |
| Population density | 80.6 inh./km² |
| Local time | --:-- |
| Language(s) | Burmese |
| Political system | Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic |
| National anthem | Kaba Ma Kyei (Till the End of the World) |
| Currency | Burmese kyat (MMK) |
| Land borders | Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Thailand |
| Maritime borders | Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea |
The flag: history and symbolism
Flag History
The current flag of Myanmar, also known as Burma, was adopted on 21 October 2010, under the 2008 Constitution.
It replaced the flag of the socialist period, in use since 1974: a red flag with a blue canton bearing a cogwheel and an ear of rice, surrounded by fourteen stars.
The new flag takes up the colours of the flag of the State of Burma, used during the Second World War: three horizontal stripes, yellow, green and red, with a large white star in the centre.
Meaning of Colours & Emblems
The 2008 Constitution gives the elements of the flag an official meaning:
- Yellow: solidarity.
- Green: peace, tranquillity and the country's lush greenery.
- Red: courage and determination.
- White star: the lasting union of the country.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
The change of flag was announced at very short notice, in October 2010, a few weeks before the first elections held in twenty years.
The country officially took the name Myanmar in 1989; in English, both Myanmar and Burma remain in use.
The Burmese flag shares its colours with that of Lithuania, but in a different order and with a star.
Similar Flags Around the World
Sport and history
National teams
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Myanmar?
Naypyidaw is the capital of Myanmar.
What do the colours of the flag of Myanmar mean?
The 2008 Constitution gives the elements of the flag an official meaning: Yellow: solidarity. Green: peace, tranquillity and the country's lush greenery. Red: courage and determination. White star: the lasting union of the country.
Which countries border Myanmar?
Myanmar shares land borders with: Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Thailand.