Monywa

Monywa (; mòʊɰ̃jwà mjo̰) is the largest city in Sagaing Region, Myanmar, located north-west of Mandalay on the eastern bank of the River Chindwin. Monywa is one of the largest economic cities in Myanmar. It is also known as 'Neem City' because many of the city's streets are lined with neem trees. Monywa and neighbouring parts of the “Dry Valley” are the only places in Southeast Asia where the hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) occurs. The city misses the tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) classification due to the very high temperatures and resultant high evaporation levels, alongside a long dry season. The semi-aridity has to do with the “Dry Valley” being located in the rain shadow of the Arakan Mountains. Temperatures are very high throughout the year, although the winter months from December to February are significantly milder at around in January. The early monsoon months from April to July are especially hot, with average high temperatures reaching in April. Monywa received of rainfall on 19 October 2011. This was a new record for rainfall within 24 hours in October in Monywa for the last 47 years. The previous record was on 24 October 1967. Monywa is a national hub for poets, and is often described as the centre of poetry in Upper Myanmar. The town has served as a home to many contemporary poets including Min Swe Hnit, K Za Win, Kyi Zaw Aye, and Khat Thi. Monywa is served by the Mandalay-Budalin branch railway line, but is best reached by bus as the road from Mandalay is in reasonably good shape. Monywa is linked by road to Budalin, Dabayin, Ye-U and Kin-U, and by rail to Sagaing and the Mandalay - Myitkyina line. River transport on the Chindwin has always been important as it is navigable for to Hkamti during the monsoon season, and most of the year to Homalin. Monywa Airport also serves the area. Monywa is a major centre for trade and commerce and for agricultural produce from the surrounding Chindwin valley, especially beans, orange, pulses and jaggery (palm sugar).