Monywa

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Monywa (Burmese: မုံရွာမြို့; MLCTS: muṃ rwa mrui.; pronounced [mòʊɰ̃jwà mjo̰]) is the largest city in Sagaing Region, Myanmar, located 136 kilometres (85 mi) north-west of Mandalay on the eastern bank of the River Chindwin. Monywa is one of the largest economic cities in Myanmar. It is also known as 'Neem City' because many of the city's streets are lined with neem trees.^{[citation needed]}

Climate

Monywa and neighbouring parts of the “Dry Valley” are the only places in Southeast Asia where the hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) occurs.^[3][4] The city misses the tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) classification due to the very high temperatures and resultant high evaporation levels, alongside a long dry season. The semi-aridity has to do with the “Dry Valley” being located in the rain shadow of the Arakan Mountains. Temperatures are very high throughout the year, although the winter months from December to February are significantly milder at around 21 °C or 69.8 °F in January. The early monsoon months from April to July are especially hot, with average high temperatures reaching 38.4 °C (101.1 °F) in April.

Monywa received 139 millimetres or 5.47 inches of rainfall on 19 October 2011. This was a new record for rainfall within 24 hours in October in Monywa for the last 47 years. The previous record was 135 millimetres or 5.31 inches on 24 October 1967.^[5]

Culture

Monywa is a national hub for poets, and is often described as the centre of poetry in Upper Myanmar. The town has served as home to many contemporary poets, including Min Swe Hnit, K Za Win, Kyi Zaw Aye, and Khat Thi.

Transport

Monywa is served by the Mandalay-

Monywa is a major centre for

Black market goods from India, especially saris and bicycle parts, pass through Monywa on their way to other parts of Myanmar.

Attractions

The major

Another attraction is the Phowintaung cave complex across the Chindwin River, approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) west of Monywa.

Nyaung-gan Bronze Age cemetery, dated to between 1,500 BCE and 500 BCE, in Budalin with bronze tools, ceramics and stone artifacts is 60 minutes travel on a narrow road north of Monywa.^[14]

Very few tourists visit Monywa as its facilities are limited.

Education

The city is home to several higher education institutions:

1. Monywa University
2. Monywa Education College
3. Monywa University of Economics
4. Technological University, Monywa^[15]
5. Computer University, Monywa^[16]

Healthcare

Monywa has two public hospitals:

• Monywa General Hospital
• Monywa Women and Children Hospital

Politics

The insurgent

• Thant Sin Maung
• Tun Kyi
• Kyaw Hsan
• U Lu Tin

Gallery

• 
  Giant reclining Buddha at Bodhi Tahtaung
• 
  Shwezigon-Paya
• 
  Aung Setkya Paya

Notes

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Monywa.

• City of Monywa Archived 2011-01-17 at the Wayback Machine
• Burman photograph album 1897 Old photos of Monywa
• Chindwin River - lifeblood of upper Sagaing
  Myanmar Times
  , January 16–22, 2006