Myanmar
Myanmar, a diverse nation in South-Eastern Asia, occupies a strategic position bordering the Andaman Sea and five neighboring countries. Recent estimates show a population of approximately 55 million people, with a current GDP per capita of approximately 1,333 USD.
Where is Myanmar?
Myanmar
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Myanmar
- Coordinates
- 22.00°, 98.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 55M
- Area
- 676,578 km²
- Density per km²
- 82 / km²
- Growth rate
- +0.67%
- Annual growth
- +372.5K people
- Daily growth
- +1K people
- World population share
- 0.68%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Myanmar
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Naypyidaw
- Region
- Asia
- Area
- 676,578 km²
- Languages
- Burmese
- Currency
- Burmese kyat (Ks)
- Timezones
- UTC+06:30
- UN Member
- Yes
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The economy of Myanmar is characterized by its wealth of natural resources, including natural gas, precious stones, and timber, though it has recently experienced an annual GDP growth rate of -0.97%. The country ranks 86 of 212 globally in terms of total GDP, but its GDP per capita of 1,359 USD places it 181 of 212 globally and 10 of 11 in South-Eastern Asia. Unemployment is recorded at 3.047%, ranking 144 of 186 for the lowest rates globally. Economic activity is heavily influenced by the agricultural sector and the extraction of petroleum and minerals.
Society
Social development in the country is marked by an adult literacy rate of 93.5%, which ranks 88 of 170 globally according to the latest data. Life expectancy at birth stands at 67.1 years, placing Myanmar 175 of 215 in global rankings. Digital connectivity has expanded to reach 58.5% of the population who are internet users, a figure that ranks 155 of 212 globally. While the nation is predominantly rural, approximately 30.4% of the population lives in urban centers.
Climate & Environment
Myanmar features a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity and distinct seasonal shifts in rainfall. The landscape varies from the coastal plains at 0 m (0 ft) along the 1,930 km (1,199 mi) coastline to the high northern peaks of Hkakabo Razi, which reaches 5,881 m (19,295 ft).
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Parliamentary republic
- Independence
- 1948-01-04 (United Kingdom)
The government of Myanmar is officially a parliamentary republic, though its political structure is heavily influenced by the military under the 2008 Constitution. This framework reserves 25% of all legislative seats for military appointees and ensures military control over the ministries of home affairs, defense, and border affairs. The administrative capital is Naypyidaw, a purpose-built city located in the central part of the country. Since a change in leadership in early 2021, the nation has been governed by the State Administration Council. The political system is divided into seven states and seven regions, which often correspond to the territories of the country’s diverse ethnic groups, including the Shan, Karen, and Rakhine. Despite the parliamentary designation, the executive branch currently holds centralized authority, affecting the operation of the judiciary and the national legislature.
History
The history of Myanmar is defined by the rise of powerful Buddhist kingdoms and a long road to independence. The Pagan Kingdom, established in the 11th century, unified the region and fostered a golden age of Theravada Buddhism until the Mongol invasions. Following three Anglo-Burmese wars in the 19th century, the British Empire annexed the territory, administering it as a province of British India. Myanmar eventually regained its sovereignty and became an independent country on 4 January 1948. The post-independence era was marked by immediate challenges, including ethnic insurgencies and ideological conflicts. In 1962, a military coup led by General Ne Win established the 'Burmese Way to Socialism,' a policy that isolated the nation from the global economy for decades. Massive pro-democracy demonstrations in 1988 eventually led to a new period of military rule. A decade of political and economic opening began in 2011, characterized by the election of civilian leaders and increased foreign investment. However, this transition was interrupted by a military takeover in February 2021, which returned the country to direct military control and led to renewed civil conflict across its 676,578 km² (261,228 sq mi) area.
Notable Facts
- Myanmar is home to Hkakabo Razi, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, which stands at 5881 m (19,295 ft) in the northern Himalayan foothills.
- The country is exceptionally diverse, with the government recognizing 135 distinct ethnic groups, though the Burman people constitute approximately 68% of the total population.
- Its coastline extends 1930 km (1,199 mi) along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, providing the nation with strategic maritime routes and rich offshore natural gas fields.
- The literacy rate is among the highest in the region at 93.5%, reflecting a strong cultural emphasis on monastic and primary education.
- The capital city, Naypyidaw, was constructed in the early 2000s and is famous for its vast scale, featuring 20-lane highways and sprawling government complexes that contrast with the dense urban environment of the former capital, Yangon.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Hkakabo Razi (5,881 m)
- Lowest Point
- Andaman Sea (0 m)
- Coastline
- 1,930 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in MyanmarExplore weather and climate data for cities in Myanmar
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Naypyidaw
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 32°C / 16°C | 34°C / 16°C | 1days (2 mm) Excellent | 10.7h Excellent | 70% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| February best | 35°C / 17°C | 37°C / 17°C | 1days (4 mm) Excellent | 11h Excellent | 59% Moderate | Excellent | View Details |
| March | 39°C / 21°C | 42°C / 23°C | 2days (5 mm) Excellent | 11.5h Excellent | 51% Moderate | Fair | View Details |
| April | 40°C / 25°C | 44°C / 29°C | 5days (39 mm) Good | 11.7h Excellent | 56% Moderate | Poor | View Details |
| May | 37°C / 26°C | 43°C / 30°C | 19days (154 mm) Wet | 11.1h Excellent | 72% Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| June | 32°C / 25°C | 39°C / 30°C | 27days (262 mm) Wet | 7.7h Good | 85% Humid | Wet | View Details |
| July | 32°C / 25°C | 38°C / 30°C | 28days (277 mm) Wet | 7.9h Good | 87% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| August | 31°C / 25°C | 38°C / 30°C | 28days (298 mm) Wet | 6.8h Fair | 88% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| September | 32°C / 25°C | 39°C / 30°C | 25days (190 mm) Wet | 8.3h Good | 87% Very Muggy | Wet | View Details |
| October | 33°C / 25°C | 40°C / 30°C | 17days (95 mm) Wet | 9.7h Good | 85% Humid | Poor | View Details |
| November | 32°C / 22°C | 38°C / 25°C | 6days (37 mm) Good | 10.2h Excellent | 80% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| December best | 32°C / 18°C | 35°C / 20°C | 1days (3 mm) Excellent | 10.8h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Good | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 32°C / 16°C . Feb: 35°C / 17°C . Mar: 39°C / 21°C . Apr: 40°C / 25°C . May: 37°C / 26°C . Jun: 32°C / 25°C . Jul: 32°C / 25°C . Aug: 31°C / 25°C . Sep: 32°C / 25°C . Oct: 33°C / 25°C . Nov: 32°C / 22°C . Dec: 32°C / 18°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 2 mm. Feb: 4 mm. Mar: 5 mm. Apr: 39 mm. May: 154 mm. Jun: 262 mm. Jul: 277 mm. Aug: 298 mm. Sep: 190 mm. Oct: 95 mm. Nov: 37 mm. Dec: 3 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Myanmar is approximately 55M (2024).
The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw.
Myanmar's GDP per capita is $1.3K (2024).
Life expectancy in Myanmar is 67.1 years (2024).
Myanmar covers 676,578 km² (261,228 sq mi).
Myanmar has a moderate population density of 82 people per km², close to the global average of 60.
Myanmar's population is growing steadily at 0.7% per year, in line with global averages.
Based on GDP per capita, Myanmar falls in the lower-middle GDP-per-person tier at $1.3K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Myanmar reports a low intentional homicide rate of 2.6 per 100,000 people, below the global average.
The official language of Myanmar is Burmese.
Myanmar uses the Burmese kyat (Ks) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Myanmar are January, February, December, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates show the population of Myanmar is approximately 55 million people. The latest data indicates an annual population growth rate of 0.67%, with a population density of about 84.6 people per km² (219.1 people per sq mi). The nation ranks 27 of 215 globally in total population.
Myanmar has a GDP per capita of approximately 1,333 USD according to current projections. This figure places the country at a rank of 181 of 212 globally and 10 of 11 within the South-Eastern Asia subregion. The total GDP rank for the nation is 86 of 212 globally.
The adult literacy rate in Myanmar is 93.5%, which is a relatively high figure for the region. This performance places the country at a rank of 88 of 170 globally. Education remains a key focus for the government as it seeks to transition toward a more modern economy.
Latest estimates show that the life expectancy at birth in Myanmar is 67.1 years. This health indicator currently ranks the nation 175 of 215 globally. Factors influencing this figure include the availability of healthcare services and the prevalence of infectious diseases in certain rural and tropical regions.
Approximately 58.5% of the population in Myanmar are internet users according to recent figures. This level of digital penetration ranks the country 155 of 212 globally. Connectivity has grown significantly over the last decade, though urban areas typically enjoy higher access speeds than the 69.6% who live rurally.
The unemployment rate in Myanmar is estimated at 3.047% based on recent data. This figure ranks the nation 144 of 186 for the lowest unemployment rates globally. However, much of the workforce is employed in the informal sector or in subsistence agriculture, which comprises a large portion of the economy.
Myanmar currently ranks 27th in the world out of 215 countries and territories. Regionally, it holds the 12th position in Asia and is the 5th most populous country in the South-Eastern Asia subregion. Its population size is comparable to countries like South Korea and Kenya.
The estimated 2026 population density is 84.6 people per km² (219.1 people per sq mi). This places Myanmar 118th globally for density. Most people are concentrated in the central plains and the Irrawaddy Delta, while the mountainous border regions remain much more sparsely populated than the national average.
Myanmar is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.67%. Current estimates show a net increase of approximately 1,007 people per day, which accounts for roughly 2,458 daily births and 1,370 daily deaths. While the growth is positive, it has slowed significantly compared to historical decades due to migration.
The latest fertility rate in Myanmar is 2.1 births per woman, which is the 99th highest rate globally. This rate represents the demographic replacement level, indicating that the population is currently at a point where it can naturally replace itself without significant internal expansion from high birth rates.
Only 30.4% of Myanmar's population lives in urban areas, ranking it 193rd globally for urbanization. Most citizens reside in rural environments, reflecting the country's primary reliance on agriculture. Major urban centers like Yangon and Mandalay remain the primary hubs for those moving away from traditional rural lifestyles.
All Indicators
Explore Myanmar's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
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Geography
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