town, central-northern Myanmar (Burma), occupying a high point on the central plain. For centuries it was an important junction on the caravan trade route between the Shan region to the east and Myingyan, 90 miles (145 km) northwest, on the Irrawaddy River. Modern Yamethin, a municipality since 1888, has railway workshops and is irrigated by the Kyeni Tank (reservoir), built in the 11th century, to the southeast. It is linked by road and railway to Yangon (Rangoon) and Mandalay. The surrounding area produces rice, sugarcane, corn (maize), and millet. Pop. (1983) 23,055.