Rubber trees are grown in the Tenasserim division. Tin and tungsten ores are mined there. Lead and zinc are found in the Shan Plateau. Precious metals, rubies, and jade have long been mined. Petroleum has long been a major product.
Transportation is mostly by water or rail, with air service available between the larger cities.
U National Unity party Aung San Suu Kyi, Daw Government and History Myanmar was first united as a single kingdom in 1044 under the ruler Anawrahta, who made it the center of Theravada Buddhism. In the 19th century the country came under British control. From 1886 to 1937 they governed it as a province of India. The Japanese occupied the country in 1942 and created a puppet state that lasted until 1945, when British rule was restored. Burma was granted independence from the British in 1948.