Myanmar's largest city and foremost center of commerce, Yangon has a population of over seven million. Formerly known as Rangoon, (meaning "End of Strife") Yangon was the capital of Myanmar until 2006, when the military government relocated the capital to the newly-built city of Naypyidaw in central Myanmar.

Yangon boasts the largest number of colonial-era buildings in the region, many located in its urban core. Unfortunately, funding for upkeep is woefully lacking leaving many of these treasures in a state of relentless decay.