Country explorer: Myanmar
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Myanmar is a lower-middle-income country in Southeast Asia with a medium-sized population. Its economy has grown very rapidly in recent decades, and is based on agriculture, natural resources and tourism.
Myanmar transitioned from military rule to democracy between 2010 and 2020, only to suffer a military coup in 2021. Following the coup it has been in [civil war](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myanmar_civil_war_\(2021%E2%80%93present\)).
Economy
Myanmar's economy has been marked by a significant transition, featuring drastic inflation rate fluctuations and a marginal increase in unemployment rates, indicative of both economic growth complexities and challenges in fostering a stable macroeconomic environment, similar to its lower-middle-income peers yet distinct in its extreme volatility.
Demographics
Myanmar has experienced a gradual decrease in fertility rate and net migration, accompanied by an increase in life expectancy, reflecting a transition similar to its lower-middle-income peers, indicative of modest improvements in health and stability despite challenges.
Basic needs
Myanmar has seen significant improvements in basic needs such as clean cooking fuels, electricity, and safely managed water and sanitation services, albeit from a low base, reflecting a gradual transformation in living standards that aligns with trends seen in other lower-middle-income countries.
Human development
Myanmar has made significant strides in human development over the past two decades, with notable improvements in health, education, and standard of living, which, despite facing considerable challenges, reflect a positive trajectory somewhat shared with its lower-middle-income peers.
Environment & energy
Myanmar has seen a notable increase in CO2 emissions per capita, a significant expansion in its electricity production from renewable sources, and a consistent decline in forest area, reflecting a complex interplay between energy needs, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development, amidst growing concerns about sustainability and climate change.
Technology & innovation
Myanmar has experienced a remarkable digital and mobile connectivity transformation, evidenced by the exponential growth in internet usage from virtually zero to over a third of the population, and mobile subscriptions surging to over 140 per 100 people, reflecting a rapid societal shift towards embracing technology and innovation, a trend shared with its lower-middle-income peers, albeit from a lower starting point.
Culture & society
Myanmar has undergone significant societal changes reflected in its relatively stable population composition with a low share of foreign-born individuals, gradual improvements in gender equality, increasing challenges in life satisfaction, and a shifting dependency ratio, illustrating a blend of traditional resilience and modern transitions parallel to trends in lower-middle-income countries.
Governance
In recent decades, Myanmar experienced noticeable improvements in rule of law and civil liberties, and then a dramatic decline following the military coup in 2021, unlike the steadier trajectories of Southeast Asian peers.