Country Profile: Burma

Burma, also known as Myanmar, is situated in Southeastern Asia, bordered by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. This region, with a population of approximately 58 million people, is home to diverse ethnic groups with the Burman majority predominating. The economy is gradually recovering but faces challenges such as high inflation, a widening trade deficit, and declining employment, primarily within its most stable agricultural sector. Governance has shifted repeatedly between military and civilian rule, with a recent return to authoritarianism following a coup in 2021.

Geography

Burma is strategically located in Southeastern Asia, bordered by Bangladesh and Thailand, with a coastline stretching 1,930 km along the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The country's terrain consists of central lowlands surrounded by rugged highlands, with the Irrawaddy River serving as the main commercial waterway. The tropical monsoon climate features hot, humid summers and milder winters.

Area: 676,578 sq km (slightly smaller than Texas)
Highest point: Gamlang Razi, at 5,870 m
Natural resources: Includes petroleum, timber, and natural gas
Population distribution: Concentrated along coastal areas and near the Irrawaddy River
Natural hazards: Prone to earthquakes, cyclones, and flooding

People and Society

Burma's population is estimated at 57.9 million. The Burman ethnic group constitutes 68% of the population, with significant minorities including the Shan, Karen, and Rakhine. The official language is Burmese, and the predominant religion is Buddhism, practiced by 87.9% of the population. Urbanization is gradually increasing, with 32.1% of the population living in urban areas as of 2023.

Life expectancy: 70.3 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate: 93.5% (2020 est.)
Urban population: 32.1% (2023)
Median age: 31.1 years (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 30.8 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)

Economy

The Burmese economy is slowly recovering from extensive disruptions, with an estimated real GDP of $287.6 billion in 2024. Agriculture remains vital, contributing 20.8% of GDP, while the industrial and service sectors account for 37.8% and 41.4%, respectively. However, the country is burdened by high inflation and a 3.1% unemployment rate as of 2024.

GDP per capita: $5,300 (2024 est.)
Current account balance: -$67.72 million (2019 est.)
Inflation rate: 8.8% (2019 est.)
Public debt: 35.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
Labor force: 22.742 million (2024 est.)

Government

Burma operates under a military regime following a coup in 2021 that ousted the democratically elected government. The country, officially known as the Union of Burma, has a mixed legal system. The current acting president is General Min Aung Hlaing. The 2008 constitution guarantees the military a significant political role, including 25% of parliamentary seats.

Independence: Gained on 4 January 1948
Capital: Rangoon (Yangon), the administrative capital is Nay Pyi Taw
Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
Constitution: Drafted in 2008, amended through a complex process
Political parties: Over 50 registered, with limited competition following the coup

Military and Security

The Tatmadaw, Burma's armed forces, oversees military and security operations. As of 2025, there are approximately 150,000 active personnel. The military has historically been involved in the country's governance and continues to play a central role in internal security, particularly against various insurgent groups.

Military expenditures: 3.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Mandatory service: Age range 18-35 for men and 18-27 for women
Military equipment: Composed mainly of Chinese and Russian inventories
Active personnel: Estimated at 150,000 (2025)
Insurgencies: Multiple ethnic armed groups have been active since 1948

Energy

Burma's energy sector is evolving, with total electricity generation capacity at 7.419 million kW in 2023. The country primarily relies on fossil fuels for energy generation, with efforts to increase the role of renewable sources.

Electricity access: 73.7% of the population (2022 est.)
Natural gas production: 13.549 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Coal production: 1.031 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity exports: 200 million kWh (2023 est.)
Hydroelectric power: Accounts for 36.7% of installed capacity (2023 est.)

Environment

Burma faces significant environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, and inadequate sanitation. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements, aimed at addressing climate and biodiversity issues.

Deforestation: Major environmental issue
Carbon dioxide emissions: 27.005 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Municipal solid waste: Estimated at 4.677 million tons annually (2024 est.)
Water resources: 1.168 trillion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Urbanization rate: 1.85% annual change (2020-25 est.)

Transportation

Burma’s transportation infrastructure includes a mix of rail, road, and maritime services. The country has 74 airports and a growing merchant marine fleet.

Airports: 74 (2025)
Railways: Total length of 5,031 km (2008)
Merchant marine: Consists of 101 ships (2023)
Ports: 7 operational ports (2024)
Heliports: 6 (2025)

Communications

The communication infrastructure is expanding, with a high rate of mobile subscriptions. Internet access is improving, but media control remains tight under the military regime.

Mobile subscriptions: 62.3 million (2024)
Internet users: Approximately 59% of the population (2023)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 559,000 (2024)
Broadcast media: Government controls all domestic media
Broadband subscriptions: 1.51 million (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	57,931,718 (2025 est.)
Area	676,578 sq km
GDP	$74.08 billion (2024 est.)	Official exchange rate
Energy consumption	8.384 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	15.44 births/1,000 (2025 est.)
Unemployment rate	3.1% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	70.3 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	93.5% (2020 est.)
Military expenditures	3.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Urbanization	32.1% (2023)