In pictures: Burma's new capital

The secretive Burmese regime has given the outside world a glimpse of its new capital city, Naypyidaw, for the first time. Military parades were held to mark Armed Forces Day.

All government employees were forced to uproot from Rangoon to Naypyidaw in early 2006. Many of the workers complain of a lack of shops and restaurants.

Construction work in Naypyidaw is not yet completed. Young workers continue to clear ground near buildings where civil servants live.

Naypyidaw is about 460km north of the previous capital, Rangoon. Analysts have been baffled by the decision to create a new administrative centre.

Burma's reclusive leader, General Than Shwe, made an appearance at a military parade. He now lives at a newly-built fortress-like complex to the east of the capital.

Huge posters are mounted every year to celebrate Armed Forces Day. BBC correspondents say the military shows no signs of loosening its grip on power.

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