Naypyidaw

Introduction

Naypyidaw is the capital of Myanmar. It is located in the central parts of the country, over 300 kilometers north of the former capital Yangon in the Mandalay Division. Naypyidaw consists of the city proper (downtown) and three surrounding townships, Pyinmana, Lewe and Tatkon. The administrative capital of Myanmar was officially moved 3 kilometres west of Pyinmana on the 6th of November 2005. Although the official reason for the movement of the government is the fact that Yangon had become too congested and crowded, it is widely believed that Naypyidaw has become the capital because of its central and strategical location compared to Yangon. Naypyidaw is close to the Shan, Chin and Karen states, and it is felt that a stronger military and governmental presence nearby might provide stability to those chronically turbulent regions.