As the main gateway to the rest of Myanmar, the Yangon Division is located in the southernmost part of the central plain and borders Bago Division in the north and east, Gulf of Mottama in the south, and Ayeyawaddy Division in the west. Coco archipelago, which is part of Yangon Division, is situated in the Bay of Bengal. The total area of the division is 3,927.15 square miles.

Population

The estimated population of the division in 1999 was 5,560,000.

Tribes

Majority of the population is Bamar, but various other tribes and foreign descent (mainly Chinese and Indian) reside in Yangon.

Religion

Majority of inhabitants are Buddhists following a considerable number of Muslims and Christians.

Dialect 

Myanmar is the major language.

Shwedagon Pagoda

Anyone who visits Yangon will get a glance of the biggest pagoda in the World, Shwedagon Pagoda, which is located in midtown Yangon between the People's Park and Kandawgyi Lake. The 2500-year old pagoda is at its best during early morning or evening, when you are able to enjoy this gilded sight in different colors.

Botataung Pagoda

The Botataung Pagoda, located on the Yangon River bank, has been a navigator's landmark for centuries, similar to the Bu Paya Pagoda on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River in ancient Bagan. Bo means a military officer and Ta Htaung means a thousand military personnel.

Kaba Aye Pagoda

Kaba Aye, meaning World Peace, was built to commemorate the Sixth Buddhist Synod in 1954. The Synod was held in Maha Pasana Guha (Cave) within the same compound as the pagoda.

Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda

This pagoda on Shwegone Daing Road, opposite the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, contains a reclining image of Buddha.

Bogyoke Market (Scott Market)

This 70-year old market has the largest selection of Burmese handicrafts you will find under one roof. You will find anything from baskets, tapestry, lacquerware, paintings, wooden and stone carvings, to pearls and gems and much more in this market. This is the ultimate tourist shopping destination for Myanmar arts and crafts.

Kandawgyi Lake

Several lakes worth a visit is the scenic Kandawgyi (royal) Lake located in the city center along side the newly renovated Kandwagyi Park and also Inya Lake located in the north of the city, which is one of Yangon's recreation spots.

National Museum

The newly built National Museum is located on the Pyay Road, Dagon Township, Yangon. The displays at the Museum include the Thihathana Throne showroom, the Yadanabon Period showroom, and a diverse range of ancient Myanmar artifacts.

National Theatre of Yangon

The National Theatre opened on 31st January 1991. The Theatre's role is to feature cultural programs staged by foreign countries as part of cultural exchange arrangements, and to conduct departmental works hops, religious ceremonies, prize giving ceremonies, and performing arts competitions. Musical stage shows are also conducted at the Theatre.

Yangon Zoological Garden

The Yangon Zoological Garden was the first zoo in Myanmar and is aged at almost 100 years old. The zoo covers an area of 69.25 acres and contains a great variety of species.