Bassein, city in southern Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), capital of Irrawaddy Division and of the district of Bassein. The city is situated on the Bassein River, one of the mouths of the Irrawaddy River, and is accessible to oceangoing ships. Inland water and rail connections enhance its importance as a commercial center. The principal trade is in rice. The town was captured by the British during the Second Burmese War in 1853 and was occupied by the Japanese from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. Population (1983) 144,096.
