Full History Of Myanmar In Timeline From 1914

1914: Jehovah's Witnesses in Myanmar

Jehovah's Witnesses have been present in Myanmar since 1914.

1920: Release of Myitta Ne Thuya (Love and Liquor)

In 1920, the first Burmese silent film, Myitta Ne Thuya (Love and Liquor), was released and became a major success despite its poor quality.

1932: Production of Ngwe Pay Lo Ma Ya (Money Can't Buy It)

In 1932, the first Burmese sound film, Ngwe Pay Lo Ma Ya (Money Can't Buy It), was produced in Bombay, India.

April 1937: Burma becomes separate colony

On April 1, 1937, Burma became a separately administered colony of Britain, and Ba Maw became the first Prime Minister and Premier of Burma.

1940: Formation of Burma Independence Army

In 1940, before Japan formally entered the war, Aung San formed the Burma Independence Army in Japan.

August 1942: Burmese Executive Administration established by Japanese

In August 1942, a Burmese Executive Administration headed by Ba Maw was established by the Japanese.

1942: Burma National Army and Arakan National Army fought with the Japanese

The Burma National Army and the Arakan National Army fought with the Japanese from 1942 to 1944.

1943: Merrill's Marauders in Burmese jungle

In 1943, a similar American unit, Merrill's Marauders, followed the Chindits into the Burmese jungle.

1944: Allied Troops Launch Series of Offensives

Beginning in late 1944, allied troops launched a series of offensives that led to the end of Japanese rule in July 1945.

July 1945: End of Japanese Rule

Allied offensives that began in late 1944 led to the end of Japanese rule in Burma in July 1945.

July 1947: Assassination of Aung San

In July 1947, political rivals assassinated Aung San and several cabinet members.

1947: Burma Independence Act

In January 1948, Myanmar declared its independence under the terms of the Burma Independence Act of 1947.

1947: Constitution

Though incorporated in the 1947 Constitution, successive military governments construed the use of the term 'federalism' as being anti-national, anti-unity and pro-disintegration.

January 1948: Independence

On 4 January 1948, the nation became an independent republic, named the Union of Burma, under the terms of the Burma Independence Act 1947.

January 1948: Myanmar Declares Independence

On January 4, 1948, Myanmar declared its independence under the terms of the Burma Independence Act 1947.

1948: Parliamentary government formed

In 1948, after a parliamentary government was formed, Prime Minister U Nu initiated a policy of nationalisation, declaring the state as the owner of all land in Burma.

1948: Civil wars as a constant feature

Since Myanmar's independence in 1948, civil wars have been a constant feature of the country's socio-political landscape. These conflicts primarily revolve around struggles for ethnic and sub-national autonomy, mainly occurring in areas surrounding the ethnically Bamar central districts.

1951: Multi-party elections

Multi-party elections were held in 1951–1952, 1956 and 1960.

1952: Multi-party elections

Multi-party elections were held in 1951–1952, 1956 and 1960.

1956: Multi-party elections

Multi-party elections were held in 1951–1952, 1956 and 1960.

1957: Myanmar becomes IAEA member

Myanmar has been a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 1957.

1958: Migration of Anglo-Burmese

From 1958 onwards, the Anglo-Burmese population left the country in steady streams, principally to Australia and the United Kingdom.

1960: Multi-party elections

Multi-party elections were held in 1951–1952, 1956 and 1960.

1961: Myanmar Hosts Southeast Asian Games

In 1961, Myanmar hosted the Southeast Asian Games.

1961: U Thant Elected Secretary-General of the United Nations

In 1961, U Thant, the Union of Burma's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was elected Secretary-General of the United Nations.

March 1962: Military Coup

On 2 March 1962, the military led by General Ne Win took control of Burma through a coup d'état.

July 1962: Rangoon University Demonstrations

On 7 July 1962, the government broke up demonstrations at Rangoon University, killing 15 students.

1962: Military coup

In 1962 there was a military coup in Myanmar.

1962: Military Leadership Staged Coup d'état

In 1962, the military leadership staged a coup d'état when non-Burman ethnic groups pushed for autonomy or federalism.

1962: Coup d'état and Burmese Way to Socialism

The 1962 coup d'état was followed by the implementation of an economic scheme known as the Burmese Way to Socialism, which aimed to nationalise all industries except agriculture.

1962: Start of military regime

The former military regime in Myanmar (1962–2010) was one of the world's most repressive and abusive regimes.

1962: Military coup and persecution

The persecution of Burmese Indians, Burmese Chinese and other ethnic groups after the military coup headed by General Ne Win in 1962 led to the expulsion or emigration of 300,000 people.

1964: Nationalisation of private enterprise

In 1964, due to the wholesale nationalisation of private enterprise, Burmese Indians, Burmese Chinese and other ethnic groups migrated to escape racial discrimination.

1966: Modern rice varieties released

Through collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute, 52 modern rice varieties were released in the country between 1966 and 1997.

1969: Myanmar Hosts Southeast Asian Games

In 1969, Myanmar hosted the Southeast Asian Games.

1974: End of Revolutionary Council rule

Between 1962 and 1974, Myanmar was ruled by a revolutionary council headed by the general. In 1974 almost all aspects of society were nationalised or brought under government control under the Burmese Way to Socialism.

1974: Constitution

In 1974, the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma was founded under a new constitution.

1975: Student Protests

Student protests in 1975, 1976, and 1977 were quickly suppressed by overwhelming force.

1976: Student Protests

Student protests in 1975, 1976, and 1977 were quickly suppressed by overwhelming force.

1977: Student Protests

Student protests in 1975, 1976, and 1977 were quickly suppressed by overwhelming force.

1978: King Dragon operation

In 1978, 200,000 Rohingya Muslims fled to Bangladesh as a result of the King Dragon operation in Arakan.

1982: Denial of citizenship to Rohingya

Since 1982, the Rohingya people have faced severe persecution and have been denied citizenship and basic rights in Myanmar.

1983: Decline in fertility rate

There has been a significant decline in fertility in the 2000s, from a rate of 4.7 children per woman in 1983, down to 2.4 in 2001

1987: National rice production

By 1987, national rice production was at 14 million tons.

1987: Myanmar requests least developed country status

In 1987, Myanmar asked for admittance to a least developed country status to receive debt relief.

August 1988: 8888 Uprising

In August 8, 1988, the 8888 Uprising occurred, leading to a nominal transition to a multi-party system two years later, but the military council refused to cede power.

1988: Modern varieties of rice planted

By 1988, modern rice varieties were planted on half of the country's ricelands.

1988: Increased Government Control of Film Industry

Following the political events of 1988, the film industry became increasingly controlled by the government.

1988: Pro-Democracy Demonstrations

In 1988, unrest over economic mismanagement and political oppression by the government led to widespread pro-democracy demonstrations throughout the country known as the 8888 Uprising.

1988: One-party system

Until 1988, the country was ruled as a one-party system through the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP).

May 1989: People's Assembly Elections Planned

In May 1989, the military government finalized plans for People's Assembly elections on 31 May 1989.

June 1989: Country name changed to Union of Myanmar

On 18 June 1989, the SLORC changed the country's official English name from the "Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma" to the "Union of Myanmar".

1989: Renaming of Burma to Myanmar

In 1989, the military government officially changed the English translations of many names, including the country's name from Burma to Myanmar.

1989: Burma becomes Myanmar

In 1989, the official English name of Burma was changed to Myanmar by the ruling government. This renaming is still a contested issue.

May 1990: Multiparty elections

In May 1990, the government held free multiparty elections and the National League for Democracy (NLD) won 392 out of 492 seats. The military junta refused to cede power.

1990: General election annulled

In 1990, a general election that was held in Myanmar was later annulled.

1990: Maternal mortality rate

The 1990 maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births for Myanmar is 662.

1991: Rohingya refugees leave Myanmar

250,000 Rohingya Muslims left Myanmar in 1991.

1992: General Than Shwe takes over

In 1992 General Than Shwe took over the Chairmanship from General Saw Maung.

1992: Myanmar signed the nuclear non-proliferation pact

Myanmar is one of the signatories of the nuclear non-proliferation pact since 1992.

1993: Roadmap to Discipline-flourishing Democracy promulgated

In 1993, the military-backed Government promulgated a "Roadmap to Discipline-flourishing Democracy", signalling a planned transition, albeit one that faced numerous stalls and delays.

1995: Forestry law leads to heavy logging

Since the new 1995 forestry law went into effect, heavy logging has seriously reduced forest area and wildlife habitat in Myanmar. The lands along the coast once had large areas of mangroves although much of the protective mangroves have disappeared.

1996: National rice production increase

By 1996, national rice production increased to 19 million tons.

June 1997: Admission into ASEAN

On 23 June 1997, Myanmar was admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

1997: SPDC takes over

From 1997 the military junta ruled as the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC).

1997: Myanmar joins ASEAN

Myanmar became a member of ASEAN in 1997.

1997: Modern rice varieties released

Through collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute, 52 modern rice varieties were released in the country between 1966 and 1997.

September 2000: Myanmar informs IAEA of intention to build nuclear reactor

In September 2000, the military junta in Myanmar informed the IAEA of its intention to construct a research nuclear reactor.

2000: Myanmar's literacy rate

According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, Myanmar's official literacy rate as of 2000 was 90%.

2001: Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board order issued

In 2001, the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board issued an order for local officials to protect tourists and limit "unnecessary contact" between foreigners and ordinary Burmese people.

2001: Fertility rate declined

There has been a significant decline in fertility in the 2000s, from a rate of 4.7 children per woman in 1983, down to 2.4 in 2001

November 2005: Capital moved

In November 2005, the military junta moved the national capital from Yangon to a site near Pyinmana.

2005: Publication of research on extermination of ethnic minorities

In 2005, evidence gathered by a British researcher was published regarding the extermination or "Burmisation" of certain ethnic minorities, such as the Karen, Karenni and Shan.

2005: HIV prevalence rate

In 2005, the estimated adult HIV prevalence rate in Myanmar was 1.3% (200,000–570,000 people), according to UNAIDS.

2005: UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Myanmar by consensus

Until 2005, the United Nations General Assembly annually adopted a detailed resolution about the situation in Myanmar by consensus.

March 2006: Capital Officially Named

On 27 March 2006, the military junta officially named the new capital Naypyidaw, meaning "city of the kings".

2006: UN General Assembly votes through resolution condemning human rights violations

In 2006, a divided United Nations General Assembly voted through a resolution that strongly called upon the government of Myanmar to end its systematic violations of human rights.

2006: Resettlement of Burmese refugees in the United States

Since 2006, over 55,000 Burmese refugees have been resettled in the United States.

2006: Myanmar gives up ASEAN chair

Though Myanmar gave up its turn to hold the ASEAN chair and host the ASEAN Summit in 2006.

January 2007: Russia and China veto UN resolution on Myanmar

In January 2007, Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution before the United Nations Security Council calling on the government of Myanmar to respect human rights and begin a democratic transition.

August 2007: Fuel price increase and Saffron Revolution

In August 2007, an increase in the price of fuel led to the Saffron Revolution led by Buddhist monks.

September 2007: Government crackdown on Saffron Revolution

On 26 September 2007, the government cracked down on the Saffron Revolution, with reports of barricades at the Shwedagon Pagoda and monks killed.

2007: Burmese AIDS deaths

According to Doctors without Borders, 25,000 Burmese AIDS patients died in 2007.

2007: Muslims flee to Bangladesh

By 2007, more than 200,000 Muslims had fled to Bangladesh to escape persecution in Myanmar.

2007: Publication of Chroniques Birmanes

In 2007, the graphic novel titled Chroniques Birmanes by Québécois author and animator, Guy Delisle was published.

Chroniques birmanes

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May 2008: Cyclone Nargis causes extensive damage

In May 2008, Cyclone Nargis caused extensive damage in the Irrawaddy Division, a densely populated rice-farming delta, resulting in an estimated 200,000 deaths or missing persons, damages totalling 10 billion US dollars, and leaving approximately 1 million people homeless.

May 2008: Constitution approved in referendum

In May 2008, Myanmar's army-drafted constitution was approved in a referendum. The results, 92.4% of the 22 million voters with an official turnout of 99%, are considered suspect by many international observers and by the National League of Democracy with reports of widespread fraud, ballot stuffing, and voter intimidation.

September 2008: New constitution published

In September 2008, Myanmar's new constitution, its third since independence, was drafted by its military rulers and published. The country is governed as a parliamentary system with a bicameral legislature.

November 2008: Tensions with Bangladesh over natural gas

In November 2008, Myanmar's political situation with neighbouring Bangladesh became tense as they began searching for natural gas in a disputed block of the Bay of Bengal.

2008: Imprisonment of Zarganar

In 2008, a blogger named Zarganar was sentenced to prison for publishing a video of destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis.

2008: Rice production estimate

In 2008, rice production was estimated at 50 million tons.

2008: New draft national constitution published

In 2008, the Government published a new draft national constitution and organised a national referendum which adopted it. The constitution provided for election of a national assembly with powers to appoint a president, while ensuring army control.

2008: Release of Burma Chronicles and Film production

In 2008, the graphic novel Chroniques Birmanes was translated into English under the title Burma Chronicles. Also, in 2008, only 12 films worthy of being considered for an Academy Award were made.

2008: Operates under 2008 constitution

Myanmar operates de jure as a unitary assembly-independent republic under its 2008 constitution.

2008: Maternal mortality rate

The 2008 maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births for Myanmar is 219.3.

August 2009: Conflict breaks out in Shan State

In early August 2009, a conflict erupted in Shan State, northern Myanmar, where junta troops fought against ethnic minorities including the Han Chinese, Wa, and Kachin. During the first days of the conflict, from 8–12 August, approximately 10,000 Burmese civilians fled to Yunnan in neighboring China.

November 2009: UN General Assembly condemns human rights violations

In November 2009, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution "strongly condemning the ongoing systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms" in Myanmar.

2009: Burmese refugees in Thailand

As of 2009, 110,000 Burmese refugees were living in refugee camps in Thailand.

2009: Release of Burma VJ

In 2009, the documentary about Burmese videojournalists called Burma VJ was released.

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2010: Pew Research Center Religion Estimates

According to the 2010 estimates of the Pew Research Center, 7% of the population is Christian; 4% is Muslim; 1% follows traditional animistic beliefs; and 2% follow other religions, including Mahayana Buddhism, Hinduism, and East Asian religions.

2010: Reforms following elections

Following the 2010 elections, reforms were implemented in Myanmar, leading to an improvement in the country's foreign relations, particularly with Western nations.

2010: General Election

Following the 2010 general election, in 2011 the military junta was officially dissolved and a nominally civilian government was installed.

2010: General election boycotted by NLD

In 2010, a general election, the first in twenty years, was boycotted by the NLD. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party declared victory with 80% of the votes amidst allegations of fraud. A nominally civilian government was then formed, with retired general Thein Sein as president.

2010: Myanmar suspected of using North Korean teams for missile facility

In 2010, as part of the leaked diplomatic cables, Myanmar was suspected of using North Korean construction teams to build a fortified surface-to-air missile facility.

2010: Burma VJ Nominated for Academy Award

In 2010, the film Burma VJ was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards.

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2010: Maternal mortality rate

The 2010 maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births for Myanmar is 240.

2010: Elections questioned

The elections of 2010 in Myanmar resulted in a victory for the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party. Various foreign observers questioned the fairness of the elections due to restrictions on contesting parties. However, immediately following the elections, the government ended the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi.

2010: End of military regime

The former military regime in Myanmar (1962–2010) was one of the world's most repressive and abusive regimes.

March 2011: SPDC dissolved

The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) dissolved in March 2011.

August 2011: New government transition

According to the Crisis Group, since Myanmar transitioned to a new government in August 2011, the country's human rights record has been improving.

September 2011: Banned websites unblocked

In September 2011, several banned websites, including YouTube, Democratic Voice of Burma and Voice of America, were unblocked in Myanmar.

September 2011: Myanmar's Foreign Minister confirms intention to release prisoners

In an address to the United Nations Security Council on 22 September 2011, Myanmar's Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin confirmed the government's intention to release prisoners in the near future.

September 2011: The Lady world premiere

On September 12, 2011, The Lady had its world premiere at the 36th Toronto International Film Festival.

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October 2011: Release of Zarganar

In October 2011, blogger Zarganar, who was imprisoned for publishing a video of destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis in 2008, was released.

November 2011: US relaxes curbs on foreign aid

In November 2011, the United States relaxed curbs on foreign aid to Myanmar after years of diplomatic isolation and economic and military sanctions.

December 2011: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits Myanmar

By the end of 2011 a series of liberalising political and economic actions took place including the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. In response, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Myanmar in December 2011, meeting both President Thein Sein and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

2011: Fertility Rate in Myanmar

In 2011, Myanmar's fertility rate was 2.23, slightly above the replacement level.

2011: Military Junta Dissolved

In 2011, the military junta was officially dissolved following a 2010 general election, and a nominally civilian government was installed.

2011: Freedom House report on human rights in Myanmar

The Freedom in the World 2011 report by Freedom House notes that the military junta has suppressed nearly all basic rights and committed human rights abuses with impunity.

January 2012: Resumption of diplomatic relations with US

On 13 January 2012, the United States announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Myanmar.

April 2012: NLD wins by-elections

In April 2012, Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD party participated in the by-elections, facilitated by the government's abolition of laws that previously barred it, winning 43 of the 45 available seats. These by-elections were also the first time that international representatives were allowed to monitor the voting process in Myanmar.

May 2012: Easing of Sanctions by the United States

In May 2012, the United States began to lift its economic sanctions on Myanmar "in response to the historic reforms that have been taking place in that country."

August 2012: Government to Stop Censoring Media

On August 20, 2012, the Burmese government announced it would stop censoring media before publication, allowing newspapers and other outlets to operate without prior approval from state censors.

October 2012: Ongoing conflicts in Myanmar

In October 2012, ongoing conflicts in Myanmar included the Kachin conflict between the Kachin Independence Army and the government, a civil war between Rohingya Muslims and the government in Rakhine State, and a conflict between Shan, Lahu, and Karen minority groups and the government in the eastern half of the country. In addition, al-Qaeda signalled an intention to become involved in Myanmar.

November 2012: Samantha Power reports on human rights abuses in Myanmar

In November 2012, Samantha Power, Barack Obama's Special Assistant to the President on Human Rights, reported that serious human rights abuses against civilians in several regions continue, including against women and children.

2012: Murder rate

In 2012, Myanmar had a murder rate of 15.2 per 100,000 population with a total of 8,044 murders.

2012: Government Removed Media Censorship

In 2012, the government of Myanmar removed media censorship, which previously included monitoring e-mails and posts on internet blogs.

2012: Improvement in Freedom House report rating

The 2012 Freedom in the World report notes improvement in Myanmar, giving it a rating of 6 for improvements in civil liberties and political rights.

February 2013: US continues to lift sanctions

The United States continued lifting economic sanctions on Myanmar until February 2013, due to reforms happening in Myanmar.

April 2013: Enactment of Media Liberalisation Reforms

In April 2013, international media reported on the enactment of the media liberalisation reforms that were announced in August 2012, leading to the commencement of privately owned newspapers publications for the first time in numerous decades.

May 2013: Thein Sein visits the White House

In May 2013, Thein Sein became the first Myanmar president to visit the White House in 47 years, where President Barack Obama praised political and economic reforms. The two governments agreed to sign a bilateral trade and investment framework agreement on 21 May 2013.

June 2013: Myanmar hosts World Economic Forum on East Asia

In June 2013, Myanmar held its first ever summit, the World Economic Forum on East Asia 2013. The summit took place on 5–7 June and was attended by 1,200 participants.

July 2013: Political prisoners in Burmese prisons

In July 2013, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners indicated that there were approximately 100 political prisoners being held in Burmese prisons.

2013: President declares release of political prisoners

Following Thein Sein's visit to the UK, the Myanmar president declared that all of his nation's political prisoners will be released by the end of 2013.

2013: Further improvement in Freedom House report rating

In 2013, Myanmar improved yet again, receiving a score of 5 in civil liberties and 6 in political freedoms.

2013: GDP statistics

In 2013, Myanmar's GDP (nominal) stood at US$56.7 billion and its GDP (PPP) at US$221.5 billion.

2013: 2013 Southeast Asian Games

In December 2013, the Southeast Asian Games took place in Naypyidaw, Yangon, Mandalay and Ngwesaung Beach, marking the third time Myanmar has hosted the event.

2013: Commercial overland routes open

Since 2013, at least one tourist company has successfully run commercial overland routes through Myanmar's borders.

December 2014: Yangon Stock Exchange set up

In December 2014, Myanmar set up its first stock exchange, the Yangon Stock Exchange.

2014: Myanmar Census religion data

According to the 2014 Myanmar Census, 87.9% of the population identifies as Buddhists; 6.2% as Christian; 4.3% as Muslim; 0.8% as followers of tribal religions; 0.5% as Hindus; 0.2% as followers of other religions; and 0.1% follow no religion.

2014: Myanmar chairs ASEAN forum and hosts summit

In 2014, Myanmar chaired the ASEAN forum and hosted the summit.

2014: Myanmar to chair ASEAN

In 2014, Myanmar's improved international reputation was indicated by ASEAN's approval of Myanmar's bid for the position of ASEAN chair.

February 2015: Kokang offensive results in civilian displacement

In February 2015, armed conflict between ethnic Chinese rebels and the Myanmar Armed Forces led to the Kokang offensive, forcing 40,000 to 50,000 civilians to seek shelter on the Chinese side of the border. The government of China was accused of providing military assistance to the ethnic Chinese rebels during the incident.

April 2015: World Bank partnership announced

In April 2015, it was announced that the World Bank and Myanmar would enter a full partnership framework aimed to better access to electricity and other basic services for about six million people and expected to benefit three million pregnant woman and children through improved health services.

November 2015: General elections held

On 8 November 2015, general elections were held in Myanmar, the first openly contested elections since 1990. The results gave the NLD an absolute majority of seats in both chambers of the national parliament, enough to ensure that its candidate would become president.

2015: The USDP suffers election defeat

In 2015, the USDP, regarded as a proxy for the military, suffered an election defeat.

2015: Myanmar General Election

The 2015 Myanmar general election was held, which led to improved foreign relations and eased economic sanctions.

2015: Opium poppy cultivation declined

While opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar had declined year-on-year since 2015.

February 2016: New parliament convenes

On 1 February 2016, the new parliament convened in Myanmar.

March 2016: Htin Kyaw elected president

On 15 March 2016, Htin Kyaw was elected as the first non-military president since the military coup of 1962.

April 2016: Aung San Suu Kyi assumes role of state counsellor

On 6 April 2016, Aung San Suu Kyi assumed the newly created role of state counsellor, a role akin to a prime minister.

2016: Environmental Performance Index ranking

In 2016, Myanmar continued to perform badly in the global Environmental Performance Index (EPI) with an overall ranking of 153 out of 180 countries. The environmental areas where Myanmar performs worst are air quality (174), health impacts of environmental issues (143) and biodiversity and habitat (142).

2016: Aung San Suu Kyi accused of failing to protect Muslim minority

In 2016, Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi was accused of failing to protect Myanmar's Muslim minority.

2016: Myanmar's Rank in Networked Readiness Index

In 2016, Myanmar was ranked 133 out of 139 countries in the World Economic Forum's Networked Readiness Index (NRI).

August 2017: Doctors Without Borders treat Rohingya refugees for sexual assault

Since August 2017, Doctors Without Borders have treated 113 Rohingya refugee females for sexual assault.

August 2017: Rohingya genocide

Since August 2017, an estimated 23,000-43,700 Rohingya have been killed in the ongoing Rohingya genocide, and another 730,000 have fled to Bangladesh.

2017: Purchasing power adjusted GDP

Myanmar's economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with an estimated purchasing power adjusted GDP of US$327.629 billion in 2017 according to the World Bank.

2019: US assesses Myanmar's nuclear program

As of 2019, the United States Bureau of Arms Control assessed that Myanmar is not in violation of its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

2019: Nominal GDP

Myanmar's economy is one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a nominal GDP of US$76.09 billion in 2019.

May 2020: Asia's largest ever drug operation reported

In April and May 2020, Myanmar authorities reported Asia's largest ever drug operation in Shan State, totalling what was believed to be 193 million methamphetamine tablets, hundreds of kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine as well as some heroin, and over 162,000 litres and 35.5 tons of drug precursors.

2020: Military Coup

Following the 2020 Myanmar general election, the Burmese military seized power in a coup d'état.

2020: National League for Democracy wins election

In Myanmar's 2020 parliamentary election, Suu Kyi's NLD won a landslide victory on 8 November. The USDP, regarded as a proxy for the military, suffered a "humiliating" defeat.

January 2021: NLD announces Suu Kyi to retain State Counsellor role

In January 2021, the NLD announced that Suu Kyi would retain her State Counsellor role in the upcoming government.

February 2021: Conflict in Kachin State threatens mine operations

As of February 2021, the conflict in Kachin State has threatened the operations of Myanmar's rare-earth mines.

February 2021: Military deposes civilian government

In February 2021, the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi was deposed by the Tatmadaw. Myanmar military declared a one-year state emergency and First Vice President Myint Swe became the Acting President of Myanmar.

February 2021: Military detains Suu Kyi and declares state of emergency

In the early morning of 1 February 2021, Myanmar's military, the Tatmadaw, detained Suu Kyi and other members of the ruling party. The military handed power to military chief Min Aung Hlaing and declared a state of emergency for one year and began closing the borders, restricting travel and electronic communications nationwide.

March 2021: Martial law extended and violence increases

By 15 March 2021, the military leadership continued to extend martial law into more parts of Yangon, while security forces killed 38 people in a single day of violence.

May 2021: National Unity Government forms armed wing

On 5 May 2021, the National Unity Government declared the formation of an armed wing called the People's Defence Force (PDF) to protect its supporters and as a first step towards a Federal Union Army.

2021: Record methamphetamine tablets in East and Southeast Asia

Countries in East and Southeast Asia have collectively witnessed sustained increases in seizures of methamphetamine over the last decade, totalling over 171 tons and a record of over 1 billion methamphetamine tablets in 2021.

2021: People displaced due to civil war

Since 2021, more than 600,000 people have been displaced across Myanmar due to the civil war post-coup.

2021: Increase in organ trade due to military takeover

The military takeover in 2021 worsened poverty in the country, pushing people to extreme measures like illegal organ trade.

April 2022: Districts, townships, cities, wards, villages count

As of 30 April 2022, an inventory of the number of districts, townships, cities/towns, wards, village groups and villages in each division and state of Myanmar was recorded.

April 2022: Districts expanded

Since 30 April 2022, districts inside regions and states in Myanmar have been expanded to a total count of 121.

2022: Opium production increased

Cultivation area increased by 33% totalling 40,100 hectares alongside an 88% increase in yield potential to 790 tonnes in 2022 according to latest data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Myanmar Opium Survey 2022.

November 2024: ICC prosecutor files arrest warrant application for Min Aung Hlaing

In November 2024, the ICC prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC filed an arrest warrant application for Senior General Min Aung Hlaing for crimes against humanity relating to the Rohingya.

December 2024: Refugees and Asylum Seekers

According to the UNHCR, as of December 2024, there are over 1.3 million people counted as refugees and asylum seekers, and 3.5 million people displaced internally.

2024: Global Innovation Index Ranking

Myanmar was ranked 125th in the Global Innovation Index in 2024.

January 2025: ASEAN urges Myanmar military government to prioritize ceasefire

On 19 January 2025, Reuters reported that ASEAN urged Myanmar's military government to prioritize a ceasefire, initiate dialogue, end hostilities, and allow humanitarian access, as stated by Malaysia's foreign minister Mohamad Hasan.