What is the capital of Myanmar?
Naypyidaw is an entirely planned city in central Myanmar, unusual for combining a very large area with a very low population density and wide, often near-empty roads.
Naypyidaw is the capital and seat of government of Myanmar, a role it has held since 2005. Myanmar itself has an estimated population of 54,850,648 (2025).
Naypyidaw is not the largest city in Myanmar. That is Yangon, which makes Myanmar one of the countries whose capital is not their biggest city.
Naypyidaw at a glance
| City population | 924,608 (2014 census) |
|---|---|
| Country | 🇲🇲 Myanmar |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Capital since | 2005 |
| Largest city in Myanmar | Yangon |
| Time zone | UTC+06:30 (MMT) |
| Currency | Burmese kyat (MMK) |
About Naypyidaw
Naypyidaw is a purpose-built capital; construction began in 2002 and the government moved there in 2005.
Naypyidaw has been the capital of Myanmar since 2005, Naypyidaw replaced Yangon as Myanmar's capital in November 2005, its creation kept secret until the move, with the name announced publicly in March 2006.
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar's largest city, was the capital until the purpose-built Naypyidaw replaced it in 2005.
Naypyidaw is Myanmar's third-largest city; the former capital Yangon remains much larger.
It is famous for its emptiness, with multi-lane highways that are often nearly deserted.
City facts sourced from Wikipedia: Naypyidaw.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Myanmar?
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Capitals of neighbouring countries
See the full profile of Myanmar on its country page, or browse every capital city.
Capital and country data from open datasets; city and metropolitan populations are hand-curated per city and cited where they are shown. Populations of countries come from the World Bank (SP.POP.TOTL). Full sources and vintage on the data page. Last updated . Report a correction.