Country Profile: Burma

Burma, officially known as Myanmar, is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Its diverse population of approximately 57.5 million includes a majority of ethnic Burmans and various other ethnic minority groups. The economy is slowly recovering but faces challenges such as high inflation, a growing trade deficit, and a declining labor market. Governance has oscillated between military rule and democratic aspirations, significantly affecting social stability and development.

Geography

Burma lies in Southeastern Asia, between Bangladesh and Thailand, with a total area of 676,578 sq km, making it slightly smaller than Texas. The country's terrain features central lowlands surrounded by rugged highlands, with the Irrawaddy River serving as the main commercial waterway. Burma's climate is tropical monsoon, characterized by humid summers and mild winters.

• 1,930 km of coastline.
• Borders 6,522 km with neighboring countries: Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, and Thailand.
• Major rivers include the Irrawaddy, Salween, and Chindwin.
• Natural resources include petroleum, timber, and minerals.

People and Society

Burma's population is estimated at 57,527,139 in 2024, with a relatively young median age of 30.8 years. The majority ethnic Burman group dominates politics, while various minorities reside in the peripheries. The country is predominantly Buddhist, with an estimated 87.9% of the population practicing Buddhism.

• 68% Burman, 9% Shan, 7% Karen, and others.
• 32.1% of the population lives in urban areas.
• The literacy rate is 89% (2019).
• 24.4% of the population is aged 0-14 years.

Economy

Burma's economy is gradually recovering from past turmoil, with agriculture being the most stable sector, contributing 20.8% to the GDP in 2024. However, inflation remains high, and unemployment is reported at 3.1% in 2024. The country's GDP (PPP) is approximately $287.559 billion.

• Real GDP per capita is $5,300 (2024).
• 37.8% of GDP is from the industrial sector, while 41.4% comes from services.
• 24.8% of the population lives below the poverty line (2017).
• Major exports include garments, natural gas, and precious stones.

Government

Burma operates under military rule as of 2021, following a coup that deposed the democratically elected government. The administrative capital is Nay Pyi Taw, while Rangoon (Yangon) remains the commercial capital. The legal system is a mix of English common law and customary law.

• Military regime type with Sr. Gen. MIN AUNG HLAING as the acting president.
• Constitution passed in 2008; military has control over several key government ministries.
• 18 years is the legal voting age; universal suffrage.
• The next election is scheduled for December 2025.

Military and Security

The Burmese military, known as the Tatmadaw, has a significant influence over the country, involving itself in both governance and the economy. The military budget is estimated to be 3.9% of GDP in 2023.

• Estimated 150,000 active military personnel (2025).
• Military service is mandatory for men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27.
• Engaged in ongoing conflict with various ethnic armed groups.

Energy

Energy access remains a challenge in Burma, with about 73.7% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The primary sources of electricity generation are fossil fuels and hydropower.

• Electricity consumption is 23.625 billion kWh (2023).
• 61.8% of generating capacity comes from fossil fuels.
• Proven natural gas reserves are approximately 637.129 billion cubic meters (2021).

Environment

Burma faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and industrial pollution. The country is a party to various international environmental agreements but struggles with sustainable resource management.

• Estimates indicate 42.8% of land is forested (2022).
• 1.975 million people are internally displaced due to various factors, including conflict and natural disasters (2023).

Transportation

Burma has a limited transportation infrastructure but includes 74 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 101 vessels. The railway system spans 5,031 km.

• Major ports include Bassein, Mergui, and Rangoon.
• 6 heliports are operational as of 2025.

Communications

Burma's communication infrastructure has improved, with 59% of the population using the internet. However, government control over media remains strict.

• 65.5 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
• Over 1.51 million fixed broadband subscriptions as of 2023.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	57,527,139	2024 estimate
Area	676,578 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$287.559 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	3.1%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	15.7/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Life Expectancy	70.3 years	2024 estimate
Electric Access	73.7%	2022 estimate
Literacy Rate	89%	2019 estimate
Military Expenditures	3.9% of GDP	2023 estimate