Mandalay archdiocese is located in the central part of Myanmar. It covers about 76,774 square kilometers and comprises the southern part of Saging division, almost the whole Mandalay division and the eastern part of Magwe division. The archdiocese has the suffragan dioceses of Myitkyina, Lashio, Hakha and Kalay. The archdiocese website is at www.mandalayarchdiocese.org
The population of Mandalay is 8,634,600. Mandalay is not only the second largest city in the Union of Myanmar, but also the principal city in upper Myanmar. It was also a historically significant kingdom at the time of the ending of the Myanmar Royal Dynasty. Mandalay is the historical old capital, a capital of Myanmar culture, Buddhist Sanana and Myanmar traditional arts and crafts, a city which abounds in historical sites, cultural memorials and Buddhist edifices.
Its original name, given by King Mindon (AD 1853-78), was "Yadanabon Naypyidaw" which means "The Treasure Heap City." But it has come to be known as Mandalay as it lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Only two kings resided at Mandalay, King Mindon and his son King Hsibaw (AD 1878-85), who was the last Myanmar king. Mandalay is the Myanmar city in which Buddhism flourishes to the highest degree.
Most of the Myanmar people are Buddhist. A few are Muslims and Hindus. Ethnic groups in the city include Myanmar, Kayin, Karen, Tamil and Chinese. The language used in the diocesan territory is Myanmar.