Pathein

Pathein, formerly Bassein, city, southern Myanmar (Burma). It lies on the Bassein River, which is the westernmost distributary of the Irrawaddy River and is navigable by ships up to 10,000 tons. The city is a deepwater port and has several rice mills; rice is exported from there. It also has sawmills and machine shops and is known for its pottery and coloured umbrellas and sunshades. Linked by air and river launch to Yangon (Rangoon), 100 miles (160 km) east, it is also on the railway that runs northeast to Hinthada (where the Irrawaddy is crossed by ferry) and continues to Letpadan and Yangon. Construction projects begun during the late 20th century included a road to Yangon and a road along the west bank of the Irrawaddy to Monya. A college in the city is affiliated with the Arts and Science University at Yangon. There is also a training institute for elementary teachers and a large hospital. The Shwemoktaw pagoda (984) in the centre of the city is considered one of the most venerable in southern Myanmar. It was among several built by the Mon king Samuddaghosa. The nearby coastline along the Bay of Bengal is backed by the forested Arakan Mountains. Its eastern half is a vast rice-producing alluvial plain in the Irrawaddy delta. The area is noted for its fishing grounds, the largest being Inye Lake, 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long and 1 mile (1.6 km) wide. Diamond Island, an offshore reef, is a popular bathing spot and the haunt of large turtles, whose eggs are collected for sale. Pop. (2004 est.) 215,600.