Country Profile: Burma

Burma, also known as Myanmar, is a Southeast Asian nation rich in cultural diversity and natural resources. The country spans an area of 676,578 square kilometers and is bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand. With a population of approximately 57.9 million, it is predominantly inhabited by the Burman ethnic group, along with numerous minority communities. The economy, slowly recovering from years of military rule, is primarily based on agriculture, while governance has been marred by political instability and military control.

Geography

Burma is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The country features a diverse terrain that includes central lowlands surrounded by rugged highlands. The climate is characterized as tropical monsoon, resulting in heavy seasonal rainfall and high humidity.

Area: 676,578 sq km (slightly smaller than Texas)
Land boundaries: 6,522 km with Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, and Thailand
Coastline: 1,930 km
Major rivers: Irrawaddy, Salween
Natural hazards: Earthquakes, cyclones, and flooding

People and Society

The population of Burma is approximately 57.9 million, with a majority being ethnic Burmans. The country has a diverse array of ethnic groups and languages, with Buddhism being the predominant religion. Despite significant urban growth, much of the population remains rural.

Ethnic groups: Burman (68%), Shan (9%), Karen (7%), Rakhine (4%)
Languages: Burmese (official language)
Urban population: 32.1% (2023)
Life expectancy at birth: 70.3 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate: 93.5% (2020)

Economy

Burma's economy is in a phase of recovery yet remains challenged by inflation, high debt, and a growing trade deficit. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, while the industrial and services sectors are also significant.

GDP (PPP): $287.56 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita: $5,300 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 3.1% (2024)
Major industries: Agricultural processing, natural gas, garments
Poverty rate: 24.8% below national poverty line (2017)

Government

Burma is currently under a military regime that has held power since a coup in February 2021. The governance structure is marked by a bicameral legislature and a mixed legal system that combines English common law with customary law.

Government type: Military regime
Capital: Rangoon (Yangon)
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Next expected election: December 2025
Administrative divisions: 7 regions and 7 states

Military and Security

The military, known as the Tatmadaw, plays a significant role in Burma's governance and internal security. It has been engaged in ongoing conflicts with various ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces since the recent coup.

Military personnel: Approximately 150,000 active military personnel (2025)
Military expenditure: 3.9% of GDP (2023 est.)
Service age: 18-35 years (men), 18-27 years (women)
Engagement in conflict: Active military operations in 10 out of 14 regional commands

Energy

Burma's energy sector is primarily dependent on fossil fuels, with a growing emphasis on hydroelectricity. The country faces challenges in providing consistent electricity access, especially in rural areas.

Electricity access: 73.7% of total population (2022 est.)
Installed generating capacity: 7.419 million kW (2023 est.)
Natural gas production: 13.549 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Petroleum production: 7,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)

Environment

Burma confronts various environmental issues, including deforestation and pollution, while being a participant in multiple international environmental agreements.

Forested area: 42.4% of land (2023 est.)
CO2 emissions: 27.005 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
Water withdrawal: 3.323 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Biodiversity agreements: Party to multiple international treaties including the Climate Change Agreements

Transportation

The transportation infrastructure in Burma includes a network of railways, roads, and air travel, but it remains underdeveloped in many areas.

Airports: 74 (2025)
Railways: 5,031 km (2008)
Merchant marine: 101 vessels (2023)
Ports: 7 total

Communications

Burma's communication sector has seen growth, particularly in mobile cellular subscriptions, though it remains controlled by the state.

Mobile subscriptions: 62.3 million (2024)
Internet penetration: 59% of the population (2023)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 559,000 (2024)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	57,931,718 (2025 est.)
Area	676,578 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$287.56 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	3.1% (2024)
Electricity access	73.7% (2022 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	70.3 years (2024 est.)
Literacy rate	93.5% (2020 est.)
Military personnel	150,000 (2025)
CO2 emissions	27.005 million metric tonnes	(2023 est.)
Urban population	32.1% (2023)