Study, Work or Volunteer in Myanmar (Burma)

Formally known as the Union of Myanmar, Burma has the biggest geographical area in mainland Southeast Asia and 40th in the world. The northern part of the country experiences warmer temperature while the southern region has cooler weather averaging around 20°C throughout the year.

In 1948, the country became a sovereign republic as Union of Burma. Its first president is Sao Shwe Thaik while the first prime minister is U Nu. It established a bicameral parliament with Chamber of Deputies and Chamber of Nationalities. The leadership of General Ne Win in the mid-1960s started the military junta in Burma’s history. The International Labor Organization (ILO) declared in November to 2006 to prosecute members of the ruling junta in Myanmar for human rights abuses. It claimed that about 800,000 people were subjected to forced labour in Burma under the military ruling. Economic prosperity has not been restored since the military junta took power. Burma remains one of the poorest nations in the world. Inflation, poor foreign investments, infrastructure, and scarce educated workforce are just some the challenges the country has to overcome.

Burma has a population of roughly 55 million comprising of more than 130 different ethnic groups. Majority of the population practices Buddhism. Its official language is the Burmese which is associated with Tibetan and Chinese languages. A great part of the Burmese culture is influenced by Buddhism including the arts, festivals, traditions, and customs.