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| Union of Myanmar | |
|---|---|
| Conventional long name | Union of Myanmar |
| Common name | Myanmar |
| Capital | Naypyidaw |
| Largest city | Yangon |
| Official languages | Burmese |
| Ethnic groups | Bamar; Shan; Karen; Rakhine; Kachin; Chin; Mon |
| Government | State Administration Council (de facto) |
| Area km2 | 676578 |
| Population estimate | 54 million (approx.) |
| Currency | Kyat |
| Calling code | +95 |
| Time zone | Myanmar Standard Time |
Union of Myanmar is a country in mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand, with a coastline on the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Historically a nexus of regional trade routes alongside the Irrawaddy River and the Salween River, it has a complex tapestry of Bamar majorities and numerous Karen, Shan, Kachin, Chin and Mon minorities. Myanmar's modern trajectory has been shaped by precolonial polities such as the Pagan Kingdom, imperial encounters with the Konbaung Dynasty and colonial rule under the British Raj, followed by postcolonial governments and recurrent armed conflicts.
The English name derives from the native Burmese term "Myanmar", standardized in 1989 by the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Historical exonyms include Burma used during the British Empire and by many international institutions such as the United Nations. Debates over nomenclature have involved political actors including the National League for Democracy and the State Administration Council, reflecting alignments with former regimes like the Tatmadaw and opposition figures such as Aung San Suu Kyi.
Precolonial history centres on states like the Pagan Kingdom, the Toungoo Dynasty, and the Konbaung Dynasty, which interacted with neighboring polities including the Ayutthaya Kingdom and Ming dynasty. The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826) and subsequent Second Anglo-Burmese War culminated in full annexation under the British Raj after the Third Anglo-Burmese War. During World War II, the Burma Campaign involved forces from the British Indian Army, the Imperial Japanese Army, and the Indian National Army. Independence was achieved in 1948 as the AFPFL government led by leaders linked to Aung San (assassinated 1947) began the postcolonial era. Military rule under figures such as Ne Win followed the 1962 coup, leading to policies like the Burmese Way to Socialism. The 1988 uprisings and the formation of the National League for Democracy preceded the 1990 elections; continued military dominance included the State Law and Order Restoration Council. In the 21st century, reforms under the Thein Sein administration, the 2010 election, and the 2015 NLD victory were countered by the 2021 coup by the Tatmadaw, sparking resistance from entities including the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and armed groups such as the Karen National Union and Kachin Independence Organisation.
Myanmar's topography ranges from coastal Irrawaddy Delta plains to central dry zones and the eastern Shan Plateau, with mountain ranges including the Arakan Mountains and Hkakabo Razi in the north. Major rivers such as the Irrawaddy River and Salween River have been central to agriculture and transport, with urban hubs like Mandalay and Yangon situated along waterways. Biodiversity hotspots include ecosystems in Kachin State and Tanintharyi Region, home to species researched by institutions such as the World Wildlife Fund. Environmental challenges involve deforestation linked to logging concessions, impacts from Opium poppy cultivation in the Golden Triangle, and vulnerabilities to cyclones exemplified by Cyclone Nargis.
The political landscape has alternated between civilian administrations and military juntas; key institutions have included the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (union legislature), the Tatmadaw (armed forces), and state-level entities. Elections have involved actors like the Union Solidarity and Development Party and the National League for Democracy, with international responses from bodies such as the United Nations Security Council and bilateral partners including China and India. Human rights concerns raised by organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have centred on conflicts in Rakhine State and measures taken after coups. Peace processes have engaged signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement and ethnic armed organizations including the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army.
Myanmar's economy integrates agriculture—rice cultivation in the Irrawaddy Delta—with extractive sectors including natural gas and gemstones mined in regions like Mogok. Infrastructure projects have involved transnational corridors such as the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor and energy pipelines linking Rakhine State to Yunnan. Financial and trade relations have involved partners including Japan, Thailand, and Singapore, and institutions like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank have financed development programs. Sanctions imposed by entities such as the European Union and United States have affected investment flows, while domestic initiatives target expansion of ports like Thilawa Port and rail links to Muse.
Population distribution features urban concentrations in Yangon and Mandalay and rural communities in states such as Shan State and Kachin State. Ethnolinguistic diversity includes languages such as Shan language, Karen languages, and Rakhine language, with religious affiliations spanning Theravada Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. Social movements have involved civil society actors like the 88 Generation Students Group and professional networks such as the Myanmar Medical Association. Public health initiatives have engaged organizations like the World Health Organization amid challenges including malaria and tuberculosis.
Cultural heritage includes classical forms like Burmese classical dance and literary works preserved in monasteries dating to the Pagan Kingdom. Religious life is dominated by Theravada Buddhism with prominent sites such as the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and festivals like Thingyan. Artisanship in lacquerware from Burmese lacquerware and tapestry traditions in Shan State coexist with musical forms such as the Saung gauk (harp). Contemporary cultural figures include writers and filmmakers who have navigated censorship under regimes linked to the State Law and Order Restoration Council and later administrations.
Category:Countries of Asia