Geography of Myanmar

Relief

Hkakabo Razi, mountain culminating with 5581 meters in the north of the country, is the most point of the country but also of the Southeast Asia.

Principal rivers

The Irrawaddy is the vital artery of the Burma. It takes its source in the highlands of the state Kachin and runs out on some 2.000 km before being thrown in the Mer of Andaman while being divided into many branches. The river is navigable until Bhamaw in the south of the Kachin state.

The Chindwin is born from several brooks in the north of the division (province) of Sagaing and is thrown in Irrawaddy between Mandalay and Pagan. The ships can go up it until Maw Leik. Beyond that, only the small boats can continue. During the dry season (from February to May), the large boats can sail only until Kale Wa.

The Sittang is born from several brooks in the mountains of Pégou and the hills of the state Kayin and the south of the state Shan and is thrown in the Golfe of Martaban, the northern part of the sea of Andaman. The river is not navigable for the boats of passengers because of its strong currents and its rapids. Certain segments of the river as its affluents are used for the transport of logs.

The Salween takes its source in China and crosses the Shan states, Kayah, Kayin, My and is thrown in the gulf of Martaban close to Mawlamyaing. It forms the border between the Thailand and the Kayin state. The large boats of passengers can go up it until Shwe Gun in high waters (from June to November). Its northern part is made rapids and strong currents in the mountains.

The Mekong form the border enters the Laos and the state Shan.

Random links: