The region is drained by two river systems, the Ayeyarwady River in the north and Sittaung River in the south. Tributaries like, Zawgyi, Myintnge, Samon and Chaungmagyi enter the Ayeyarwady River from the east.Sinthe, Ngalaik and Paunglaung tributaries enter the Sittaung River in the north. The region is generally low lying, the general high being less than 500 feet. But higher areas, such as the Shan foothills, Mount Popa at the northem and of the Bago Yoma, Mandalay hill and Yankin hill are situated in the region. Climatic conditions, therefore rang from place to place. Rainfall in the region is generally scanty. In the driest area of the region, the rainfall is about 30 inches to 40 inches and in some area it is over 100 inches.
Mandalay Division is one of the most developed regions of Upper Myanmar. Many of Myanmar's old capitals of different dynasties lie within this region and agriculture has been practiced since the times of Myanmar Kings with the hlep of irrigation. There are many important irrigation systems in this region: Zawgyi, Panlaung, Mondaing, Kyetmauktaung,Pyaungpya, Yeni, Saidawgyi, Kinda, Thitsone, Yezin are some of them. Meiktila, Minhla and Kyeni Lakes also supplement these irrigation systems.
Mandalay Division has a total area of 2,559,651 acres, the majority of which are 'Ya' lands. The many fertile islands of Ayeyarwady Rivers and the fertile banks of Ayeyarwady, Sittaung and their tributaries are alluvial or 'Kaing' lands. A variety of dry zone crops such as mazie, millet, chillies, groundnut, sesamun and pulses are grownon 'Ya' Land of this region. Onions, chillies, tabacco, Maize, tomatoes and other vegetables are grown on 'kaing' lands. Due to the well founded irrigation systems which existed since the olden days, there are many orchards and gardens. They produce fruits like mangoes, guavas, bananas,grapes,zi (plum), betel vine . Plantations in the hill areas, produce pesches, pears, damsons,strawberribs, coffee,mul-berry and vegetables. Cattle, chiefly for draught purposes, milk cows, sheep and goats were also reared. There are also fresh water lake-fisheries. About 20.8% of the population ie. 0.95 million people (in 1983)was engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, fishing and hunting.
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