Myanmar Country Report
Myanmar is a developing country under military rule after a coup that ousted democratically elected Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy (NLD) in February 2021. The return to military rule has intensified nationwide protests and human rights violations. More violent suppression of ethnic minorities and security challenges in border areas. Tensions between the Buddhist majority and the Muslim minority have risen in recent years, particularly in northwestern Rakhine State. The government has been accused of waging a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya population, who have fled en masse to neighboring Bangladesh. The main threats to foreigners are non-violent criminal activity and many serious health and environmental risks. Corruption is still prevalent. Communication, medical, and transportation infrastructure is inadequate, especially in the outskirts of Yangon, and may be very limited in rural areas. The electricity system is severely underdeveloped and blackouts occur frequently in Yangon.
Persons arriving 12 years of age and older must provide printed proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test performed within 48 hours before arrival at least two weeks before arrival. This need exists. Foreign visitors to Japan must purchase insurance or recommended insurance that covers treatment for COVID-19 upon arrival. All persons arriving must complete a health declaration form provided by the airline or airport staff.
Last updated: June 27, 2023
Security
Decades of conflict between the military and a large number of ethnic militias continue to fuel violence in neighboring Myanmar. In addition to ongoing ethnic conflicts, Myanmar faces potential terrorist threats such as persecution of Muslim minorities in the northwest and opposition to the military government. Crime rates are generally low, although cases of petty theft have increased due to the economic fallout following the February 2021 military coup. Anti-martial demonstrations continue to occur on sporadic and important dates, but less often and on a smaller scale than before. A few months after the military occupation. Despite this, security forces continue to use deadly tactics to suppress demonstrators, resulting in deaths. Armed opposition groups have carried out bombings, assassinated members of the junta and alleged supporters of the military, and destroyed military and government facilities. Pro-military militias have also carried out violent attacks against current and former National League for Democracy (NLD) activists.
Last updated: November 17, 2022
Infrastructure
Myanmar’s aviation industry is expanding with an increasing number of regional and international airlines investing in airports and opening routes.
Due to poor road conditions and the recent increase in the number of vehicles and drivers, land travel is associated with significant risks.
Myanmar has a low electrification rate and most rural households do not have electricity, but the country is investing heavily in expanding production and coverage.
Myanmar’s internet sector has grown significantly in recent years with greater access in urban centers, but power outages and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit the quality of connections.
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Environment
Myanmar is vulnerable to natural and environmental disasters such as floods, droughts, fires, and tsunamis, and lacks the resources to increase resilience and disaster response capacity. The country is typhoon-prone and prone to flooding during the monsoon season, which runs from April to October. Myanmar is located in a seismic zone, and earthquakes that can cause significant casualties and damage occur frequently. Landmine contamination is widespread in Myanmar, there are no sustained efforts to address the problem, and the country has one of the highest landmine casualty rates in the world.
Last updated: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
The main health risks in Myanmar are vector-borne diseases, namely dengue and chikungunya. Medical facilities and services are limited, with only a few reputable facilities in Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw. Drug shortages are common and the quality of available drugs is often questionable. Tap water is not safe for consumption.
Last updated: March 31, 2022
Political
Myanmar is now under military rule following a coup that was unofficially led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military regime had already tried to open the democratic space and transform into a democratic civilian government since 2010. Sanctions affecting Myanmar were lifted at the end of 2016, but the United States reimposed sanctions on the junta after the coup. The ban on the sale of military hardware and equipment that could be used for internal repression remains in place. Corruption is a major problem in Myanmar, affecting all levels of government and the military.
Last updated: April 14, 2022
