Irrawaddy River

Irrawaddy River, also known as Ayeyarwady River, is the largest river and most important commercial waterway of Myanmar (Burma), covering an area of about 255,081 km². Originating from the confluence of the N'mai and Mali rivers, Irrawaddy River traverses Myanmar from north to south, flowing into Andaman Sea through the Irrawaddy Delta. It passes though many cities, including Bagan, Mandalay, Chauk, etc.

Once used for trade and transport in the past, Irrawaddy River is important for Myanmar nowadays. Despite Mandalay's position as the chief rail and highway focus in northern Burma, a considerable amount of passenger and goods traffic moves by Irrawaddy River.

Rice is produced in Irrawaddy Delta, one of the world's major rice-growing areas, irrigated by water from the river. Various animals, especially the well-known Irrawaddy Dolphin, live in and along Irrawaddy River.