Myanmar (Burma), has a rich cultural heritage but violent history of conflict, military rule and civil unrest. Brutal changes and warfare accompany the infamous military coup of Feb 2021. Myanmar is not safe for foreign visitors.
Myanmar is a Southeast Asian nation allied with Russia and China. Military rule and civil war throws the country into chaos, leading to stronger methods of control by leaders.
Geography and History
Bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand, Myanmar is a land of diverse geography and ethnicity. It ranges from the Himalayas in the north to the Irrawaddy River delta in the south.
Geographic features include alpine landscapes, forests and lowlands. Myanmar has a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Its fertile plains and coasts are integral to the agricultural sector.
Geography historically contributes to fragmentation of the country, with various ethnic groups controlling different territories. Myanmar's history is marked by the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms.
The British colonize the country in the 19th century, absorbing it into British India. Independence is achieved in 1948. Ethnic tensions erupt and nascent democracy falters.
By 1962, Myanmar is ruled by a Socialist military junta. Decades of isolation, repression, and economic stagnation follow. Military control and human rights violations reach a tipping point in 2011.
The military, known as the Tatmadaw or Sit-Tat, permits elections under a system giving them substantial power. They're guaranteed 25% of the seats in parliament regardless of election outcomes.
In 2015 Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) party sweep the elections. This is a major step toward civilian rule, offering hope for a more democratic and prosperous future.
Above: Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the NLD and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Despite being imprisoned, she remains a symbol of hope and resistance for many in Myanmar.
Under leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD, the government brings in reforms to enable political freedom and economic growth. Annual foreign direct investment rises from $1.5 billion to over $5 billion.
Overall, Myanmar's economy relies heavily on agriculture, garments, and natural resources. Kachin State produces most of the world's jade, while Mandalay Division remains a leading source for rubies and sapphires.
The country also has reserves of gold, silver, copper, tin, nickel, coal, limestone and other minerals. Myanmar's exports are primarily oil and natural gas.
Additional exports consist of vegetables, wood, fish, clothing, rubber, and fruits. The country's current export partners include China, India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Indonesia and Hong Kong.
In the 2010s the power-sharing arrangement between the NLD and the military remains uneasy. It's influenced by deep-seated mistrust and competing agendas.
Even in transition the military retains control over ministries and economy. Ethnic conflicts, as in the horrendous 2017 Rohingya Muslim genocides by the military, draw international condemnation but little else.
Tensions escalate in the months leading up to the 2021 coup. They're largely due to the military's dissatisfaction with election results from November 2020 as the NLD secures 82% of seats in parliament.
The military claims widespread electoral fraud. This is dismissed by other countries including the United Nations.
On Feb 1, 2021, Tatmadaw forces led by Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing arrest Aung San Suu Kyi and other NLD leaders. They nullify election results and reinstate military rule.
Min Aung Hlaing: The current leader of the military junta and de facto ruler of Myanmar. He is accused of human rights abuses and responsible for the violent suppression of dissent.
Massive protests erupt nationwide as civilians unite against military rule. Civil disobedience gains traction and brutal military response. Thousands have been killed, and tens of thousands arrested and imprisoned.
The coup also reignites and intensified pre-existing ethnic conflicts. Various armed groups including newly formed People's Defense Forces (PDFs) take up arms against the military regime.
Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs): Numerous armed groups representing ethnic minorities exist across the country, each with particular grievances and agendas. Some align with the PDFs to fight the military junta.
Post-coup politics are dominated by military generals, primarily Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Both domestic and international observers question the legitimacy of his administration.
Aung San Suu Kyi remains a respected figure, despite her detention. She continues to inspire many to strive for a democratic Myanmar.
The national and international response to the coup has seen varying levels of involvement from regional organizations like ASEAN, which has been criticized for its ineffective measures to address the crisis.
Myanmar's international relations are complex. Historically it maintains closer ties with China. China often shields Myanmar from international criticism. However, the coup seriously complicates this relationship.
While China has refrained from condemning the coup outright, it has also expressed concerns about instability. The European Union and other countries impose sanctions on the military regime but effect is limited.
Prior to the coup, Myanmar is on a path of economic growth across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. However, the coup severely impacts foreign investment.
Foreign direct investment falls by 60% in the year following the coup. Myanmar's geographical position in Southeast Asia attracts regional power interests.
The military's tightened alliances with China and Russia fortify its standing. The ongoing geopolitical complexity continues to shape regional stability and internal struggles of Myanmar.
Collapsing Economy & Intensifying Warfare
The coup has a devastating impact on Myanmar's economy. Sanctions, political instability, and the COVID-19 pandemic cause a sharp decline in economic activity, with rising unemployment and widespread poverty.
Foreign investment is drastically reduced, and the country struggles to attract international aid. Ongoing civil war further exacerbates the economic crisis.
Fighting between military and various armed groups displaces hundreds of thousands, disrupting agriculture and trade. As of 2023 the number of people displaced internally rises to 1.5 million.
Myanmar military weapons and equipment are lethal and diverse, including assault rifles, machine guns, mortars, mines, anti-tank weapons, armored cars, tanks and rocket launchers.
Many come from China and Russia, with contributions from other countries, such as tanks from France, Brazil and Israel. Weapons and equipment are also made in Myanmar.
The air force is significant, used in devastating strikes against civilians. In Dec 2024 the military commissions 8 new aircraft from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), close associate and investee of the European aerospace giant Airbus.
An unimpressive navy in 1988 since blossoms into a premium seagoing force with the help of donations from allies. Russia supplies Kh-35E anti-ship missiles.
The navy acquires its first submarine from India in 2020. Sophisticated equipment includes the latest in technology. The Myanmar navy commands the coastline with 227 active vessels and 19,000 personnel.
Drones as unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) are used by military and anti-military forces. A new suicide UCAV is initially seen in smuggled footage from western Rakhine State Dec 2024.
It's confirmed as deployed in January 2025 in Karen (Kayin) State in the eastern part of the country. Resistance drones are lately able to track and target people, such as army generals.
Humanitarian Aid
Humanitarian aid is severely restricted. The country is in severe crisis with shortages of food, medicine and essential services. Socially, divisions have deepened.
According to Human Rights Watch 77% of the population opposes military rule. Citizens continue to brave the streets to demand democracy while reports of military abuses pour in.
Is Myanmar Safe for Foreign Visitors?
Currently, Myanmar is not safe for foreign visitors. The country is embroiled in civil war, and the military regime is known for brutality. Risks include being caught in crossfire, arrest or violent attack.
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