Myanmar

Crossroads of Asia, Culture, and Conflict

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a nation in Southeast Asia sharing borders with India, China, Thailand, Laos, and Bangladesh. Known for its rich Buddhist heritage, ethnic diversity, and geostrategic position, Myanmar has experienced a complex mix of colonialism, military rule, democratic reforms, and recent instability. It remains a key player in regional connectivity and resource trade.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Ancient kingdoms: Pagan Empire, Toungoo Dynasty, Konbaung Dynasty

  • Became a British colony in 1886; gained independence on January 4, 1948

  • Known as Burma until 1989 when the name was officially changed to Myanmar

  • Transitioned to quasi-civilian government in 2011 after decades of military rule

  • In 2021, the military seized power via coup, overturning the 2020 election results

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Republic of the Union of Myanmar (မြန်မာနိုင်ငံတော် သမ္မတနိုင်ငံ)
Capital Naypyidaw
Largest City Yangon (Rangoon)
Continent Asia (Southeast Asia)
Official Language Burmese
Currency Kyat (MMK)
Area Approx. 676,600 sq. km
Population Approx. 56 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Myanmar Standard Time (UTC+6:30)
ISO Code MM
Internet TLD .mm
Calling Code +95

Government and Leadership

Position Current (as of 2024)
De Facto Leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces)
Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing (appointed after the 2021 coup)
President (nominal) Myint Swe (Acting President post-coup)
Government Type Military-led transitional government (State Administration Council – SAC)
Legislature Union Parliament (Hluttaw; suspended since 2021 coup)

Administrative Divisions

Myanmar is composed of 7 States, 7 Regions, 1 Union Territory, and 5 Self-Administered Zones/Divisions.

Regions (Predominantly Bamar-majority areas):

  1. Ayeyarwady Region

  2. Bago Region

  3. Magway Region

  4. Mandalay Region

  5. Sagaing Region

  6. Tanintharyi Region

  7. Yangon Region

States (Ethnic minority-majority areas):

  1. Chin State

  2. Kachin State

  3. Kayah State

  4. Kayin (Karen) State

  5. Mon State

  6. Rakhine State

  7. Shan State

Union Territory:

  • Naypyidaw Union Territory (capital area, directly administered)

Self-Administered Zones and Division:

Located mostly in Shan State and Sagaing Region:

  • Wa Self-Administered Division

  • Kokang SAZ

  • Danu SAZ

  • Pa-O SAZ

  • Naga SAZ

Each State and Region is further subdivided into:

  • Districts (Khayaing)

  • Townships (Myone)

  • Wards/Villages

Local Government Structure

  • State/Region Governments led by a Chief Minister (appointed by SAC)

  • Military presence dominates local governance

  • Autonomous councils exist in self-administered zones

  • Local administration includes General Administration Department (GAD) under Ministry of Home Affairs

Leadership & Governance

  • Governed by the State Administration Council (SAC) since the 2021 military coup

  • Former ruling party NLD (National League for Democracy) has been largely sidelined

  • Ongoing civil resistance, parallel governance by National Unity Government (NUG)

  • Human rights concerns, armed conflict with ethnic armed organizations (EAOs)

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Controlled by Myanmar Police Force under Ministry of Home Affairs (military-run)

  • Widespread checkpoints, internet blackouts, curfews in conflict zones

  • Key issues:

    • Ethnic insurgency (esp. in Chin, Kachin, Shan, Rakhine)

    • Human trafficking, narcotics, and border insecurity

    • Refugee outflows (e.g., Rohingya to Bangladesh)

Economy & Industry

  • Main sectors:

    • Agriculture: rice, pulses, fishery

    • Natural resources: jade, oil & gas, timber

    • Garments and textiles (pre-coup FDI hotspot)

  • GDP (2023): Estimated USD 60–70 billion, with sharp decline post-coup

  • International sanctions and capital flight continue

  • Informal economy and border trade with China and Thailand remains vital

Education & Institutions

  • System under strain due to political unrest

  • 12-year basic education (primary to high school)

  • Notable universities: Yangon University, Mandalay University

  • High dropout rate in conflict zones

  • Limited internet and e-learning post-coup

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare underfunded; mostly dependent on aid

  • Major hospitals:

    • Yangon General Hospital

    • Naypyidaw General Hospital

    • Mandalay General Hospital

  • COVID-19 and military violence severely disrupted services

  • WHO and NGOs play critical roles in rural healthcare

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw International Airports

  • Rail: aging infrastructure; ongoing upgrades with Chinese investment

  • Roads: Main highways connect regional hubs; mountainous zones remain isolated

  • Ports: Yangon Port, Thilawa SEZ Port (linked to China’s BRI)

Tourism & Attractions

Pre-2021 tourism was growing rapidly; currently suspended or unsafe in many areas

  • Cultural: Bagan temples, Inle Lake, Mandalay Royal Palace

  • Nature: Mount Popa, Hkakabo Razi, Ngapali Beach

  • Religious: Shwedagon Pagoda, Golden Rock

  • Intangible heritage: Buddhist festivals, puppet shows, lacquerware

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Deeply Buddhist society (Theravāda)

  • Rich ethnic diversity: Bamar, Shan, Karen, Mon, Rakhine, Chin, Kachin, Rohingya, and others

  • Traditional dress: Longyi, Thanaka face paste

  • Cuisine: Mohinga, Laphet Thoke (tea leaf salad), Shan noodles

  • Challenges to freedom of expression and media

Summary

Myanmar is a nation of profound historical depth and cultural wealth, yet burdened by political instability, conflict, and humanitarian crises. Positioned at the heart of Asia, Myanmar holds immense potential for integration and prosperity—once peace and inclusive governance return to its resilient people.