Rangoon - Definition and Overview

Yangôn, formerly Rangoon, population 4,504,000 (2001), is the capital of Myanmar. The city is located on the Yangôn River, near the Gulf of Martaban. Major exports include rice, teak, petroleum, cotton, and metal ores. There are rice mills, sawmills, oil refineries, and steel, iron, and copper mills.

The city was probably founded in the 6th century, but it was a small fishing village until King Alaungapaya made it his capital in 1753. It came under British rule in 1852. Rangoon was heavily damaged by an earthquake and tsunami in 1930, and again during World War II.

During World War II Japanese forces captured the city on March 8, 1942.

The University of Yangôn was founded in 1920 and reorganized in 1964, when it became the Arts and Science University.