Myanmar Country Report

Myanmar is a developing country under military rule following a coup that removed the democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy (NLD) in February 2021. The return to military rule has fueled nationwide protests, as well as human rights violations, further violent oppression of ethnic minorities, and security challenges in the border regions. Tensions between the Buddhist majority and Muslim minority in northwestern Rakhine State, in particular, have escalated in recent years. The government has been accused of carrying out an ethnic cleansing campaign against the Rohingya group, whose members have fled en masse to neighboring Bangladesh. The primary threats to foreigners are from non-violent criminal activity and a number of serious health and environmental hazards. Corruption remains endemic. Communication, medical, and transportation infrastructure are inadequate, particularly outside Yangon, and can be very limited in rural areas. The electricity system is severely underdeveloped, and Yangon is frequently subject to rolling blackouts.

Myanmar’s periphery has been marked by decades of conflict between the military and a plethora of ethnic armies that continue to fuel violence. Armed anti-regime groups opposed to the 2021 military coup regularly stage bombings, assassinate junta members and people considered to support the military, and sabotage military and government facilities outside major cities. A renewed offensive by resistance groups is causing significant disruptions to business operations, ground and air transport, as well as cross-border transit with neighboring countries like China in northern and western Myanmar from late October 2023. Pro-military militias have also carried out violent attacks against current and former National League for Democracy (NLD) activists. Multiple countries advise against all or nonessential travel to all or conflict-ridden areas of Myanmar due to civil unrest and armed clashes.

Anti-junta demonstrations continue to occur sporadically and on key dates, but at a lower frequency and smaller scale than in the initial months following the military takeover. Nevertheless, security forces continue to use lethal tactics to crack down on demonstrators, which has resulted in fatalities.

There is a latent terrorist threat in Myanmar, stemming from persistent ethnic conflict, as well as the persecution of the country’s Muslim minority in the northwest and opposition to the military junta. Crime rates generally remain low, although incidents of petty theft are rising due to the economic fallout after the military coup in February 2021.

Myanmar’s aviation industry is expanding as the country invests in its airports and a growing number of regional and international carriers open routes.

There are significant risks associated with overland travel due to the poor condition of roads and a recent increase in the number of vehicles and drivers.

The Port of Yangon is considered efficient.

Myanmar has a low electrification rate, with most rural households without power, although the country is investing heavily to expand production and coverage. Myanmar’s internet sector has been increasing exponentially in recent years, with growing access in urban centers, although the quality of connections remains restricted by power outages and inadequate infrastructure.

As access to the internet increases, so does risk of cybercrime.

Myanmar is at risk of natural and environmental disasters, such as flooding, droughts, fires and tsunamis, with the country lacking the resources to increase its resilience and disaster response capabilities. The country is exposed to cyclones and prone to flooding during the monsoon season that runs from April to October. Myanmar lies in a seismically-active region, recording frequent earthquakes that can cause significant casualties and damages. Landmine contamination in Myanmar is extensive and no efforts are currently underway to address the issue, with the country recording among the highest casualty rates from landmines in the world.

Myanmar has several diseases and health risks, including dengue fever and chikungunya. Medical facilities and services are limited, with only a few reputable facilities in urban centers. Cash payment upfront is required for all health services rendered. Tap water is not safe for consumption.

Myanmar is currently under military rule following a coup that removed the democratically elected National League for Democracy (NLD), which was unofficially led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military junta previously attempted to open the democratic space and transition to democratic civilian rule since 2010. Although sanctions affecting Myanmar were lifted in late-2016, the US has re-imposed sanctions on the military regime following the coup. Bans on the sale of military hardware and equipment that can be used for internal repression remain in effect. Corruption is a major issue in Myanmar, affecting all levels of government and the military.