BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Burma's capital move

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Wednesday, 25 January 2006, 13:59 GMT

In pictures: Burma's capital move

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Burma announced last November that it was moving its capital 400km north from Rangoon to a remote rural area near the town of Pyinmana.

Buildings supposed to be built for use by the government are under construction in Pyinmana, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005.

Buildings supposed to be built for use by the government are under construction in Pyinmana, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005.

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Few outsiders have been allowed to visit the site itself. These images - supplied to the BBC by recent visitors - give a rare glimpse of the emerging capital.

Pyinmana (Credit: The New Era Journal)

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The move has confused foreign observers, who say the new site lacks Rangoon's advantages.

Pyinmana (Credit: The New Era Journal)

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Construction is well under way, though much remains to be done to make this a suitable administrative centre.

A local barbers (Credit: Johan)

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In the nearby town of Pyinmana, life goes on as normal, despite the upheaval down the road.

Local housing (Credit: Johan)

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Local facilities look out of place, so near what is set to be the country's administrative hub.

Local town (Credit: Johan)

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Burma's secretive government says Pyinmana is more centrally located than Rangoon, and therefore better able to serve the nation.

Waterscape, Pyinmana (Credit: Johan)

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But analysts say the real reason may be fear of foreign attack, or even the advice of fortune-tellers.

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Related to this story:
Burma's confusing capital move (08 Nov 05 | Asia-Pacific )
Burma confirms capital to move (07 Nov 05 | Asia-Pacific )
Malaysia 'hopeful' on Burma move (11 Dec 05 | Asia-Pacific )
Profile: Association of South-East Asian Nations (23 Jul 05 | Country profiles )

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