Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar (Burma), was officially named the administrative capital in November 2005. Its name means 'royal capital,' and it was constructed with the intention of being a fully-planned city, featuring grandiose boulevards and expansive government buildings, often noted for their somewhat empty appearance due to low population density. Naypyidaw is separated into zones for specific functions, such as government, military, hotels, and residential areas. The city includes the Union Parliament, a striking 99-meter-high golden stupa named Uppatasanti Pagoda which closely resembles the Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon, its former capital, and the Naypyidaw Zoological Gardens, among other attractions. The city is laid out on a grid and is known for wide roads and modern infrastructure, which stands in contrast to other Burmese cities. It is a unique city due to its origin as a fully planned city and is still in development, aiming to attract more residents and businesses to fill its vast spaces.
