What is the capital of Myanmar?
Myanmar's capital has been Naypyidaw since 2005, replacing Rangoon (Yangon) as the country's administrative capital.
Naypyidaw, capital since 2005
Naypyidaw became the official capital of Myanmar in 2005, replacing Rangoon (Yangon) which held this status since colonial times. Strategically located in the center of the country, this administrative city was entirely built by the Burmese army.
An artificial capital with gigantic dimensions
This new capital has unique characteristics:
- Built from scratch: built in the middle of the jungle at a cost of nearly 4 billion dollars
- Oversized dimensions: some roads can accommodate up to 20 lanes of traffic
- Imposing government architecture: immense administrative buildings under heavy surveillance
- Particular atmosphere: large empty avenues and very calm ambiance
Key takeaways
Although Naypyidaw is the political capital, Yangon remains the economic center of Myanmar and the country's most populated city. Most travelers transit through Yangon rather than through the administrative capital.