ABOUT YANGON

Yangon formerly known as Rangoon is a former capital of Myanmar and the capital of Yangon Region. It is the country's largest city with a population of over seven million, and is the most important commercial centre.

Since independence from the British in 1948, Yangon has expanded outwards. Successive governments have built satellite towns such as Thaketa, North Okkalapa and South Okkalapa in the 1950s to Hlaingthaya, Shwepyitha and South Dagon in the 1980s.

Today, Greater Yangon encompasses an area covering nearly 600 square kilometres (230 square miles).

Yangon is the country's hub for the movie, music, advertising, newspaper and book publishing industries.