History of Myanmar in Timeline
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia with a population of approximately 55 million. It is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, Thailand, the Andaman Sea, and the Bay of Bengal. The capital city is Naypyidaw, and the largest city is Yangon.
1914: Jehovah's Witnesses in Myanmar
Jehovah's Witnesses have been present in Myanmar since 1914.
1920: First Burmese Silent Film Captivates Audiences
"Myitta Ne Thuya" (Love and Liquor), the first Burmese silent film, premiered in 1920 and achieved considerable success despite technical limitations.
1932: First Burmese Sound Film Released
"Ngwe Pay Lo Ma Ya" (Money Can't Buy It), the first Burmese sound film, was produced in Bombay, India, in 1932, marking a technological advancement in Burmese cinema.
April 1937: Burma Becomes a Separate Colony
On April 1, 1937, Burma became a separately administered colony of Britain, with Ba Maw as its first Prime Minister.
1940: Formation of Burma Independence Army
Aung San formed the Burma Independence Army in Japan in 1940, before Japan formally entered World War II.
August 1942: Japanese Occupation and Burmese Executive Administration
In August 1942, following the Japanese invasion, a Burmese Executive Administration headed by Ba Maw was established by the Japanese.
1942: Burmese Involvement in World War II
The Burma National Army and the Arakan National Army initially fought alongside the Japanese from 1942 but switched allegiance to the Allied side in 1945.
1943: Allied Operations in Burma
Wingate's British Chindits and Merrill's Marauders, American long-range penetration groups, operated in the Burmese jungle in 1943 against Japanese forces.
1944: Allied Offensives Begin
Allied troops launched a series of offensives in late 1944, ultimately leading to the end of Japanese rule in July 1945.
July 1945: End of Japanese Rule in Burma
Allied offensives led to the end of Japanese rule in Burma in July 1945, following intense battles that devastated the country.
July 1947: Assassination of Aung San
Aung San, who played a key role in negotiating Burma's independence, was assassinated along with several cabinet members in July 1947.
1947: Burmese Constitution Incorporates Federalism
The 1947 Constitution of Burma incorporated the concept of federalism, although subsequent military governments interpreted it as a threat to national unity.
1947: Burma Independence Act
The Burma Independence Act of 1947 paved the way for the country's independence as a republic on January 4, 1948.
1947: Panglong Agreement and Assassination of Aung San
Aung San negotiated the Panglong Agreement with ethnic leaders, guaranteeing Myanmar's independence. However, he and several cabinet members were assassinated in July 1947.
January 1948: Independence of the Union of Burma
On January 4, 1948, Burma became an independent republic named the Union of Burma, with Sao Shwe Thaik as president and U Nu as prime minister.
January 1948: Myanmar Declares Independence
On January 4, 1948, Myanmar declared independence from British rule under the terms of the Burma Independence Act 1947.
1948: Independence and Nationalization
Following independence and the formation of a parliamentary government in 1948, Prime Minister U Nu initiated a policy of nationalization, declaring the state as the owner of all land in Burma.
1948: Civil Wars Become Endemic in Post-Independence Myanmar
Since gaining independence in 1948, Myanmar has grappled with persistent civil wars, primarily driven by struggles for ethnic autonomy.
1951: First Multi-party Elections
Following independence, multi-party elections were held in 1951, 1952, 1956, and 1960.
1952: Second Multi-party Elections
Following independence, multi-party elections were held in 1951, 1952, 1956, and 1960.
1956: Third Multi-party Elections
Following independence, multi-party elections were held in 1951, 1952, 1956, and 1960.
1957: IAEA Membership
Myanmar joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1957.
1958: Anglo-Burmese Emigration
Starting in 1958, a significant exodus of the Anglo-Burmese community from Myanmar began, primarily to Australia and the United Kingdom.
1960: Fourth Multi-party Elections
Following independence, multi-party elections were held in 1951, 1952, 1956, and 1960.
1961: U Thant Elected UN Secretary-General
In 1961, U Thant, Burma's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, was elected Secretary-General of the UN.
1961: Previous Southeast Asian Games Hosting
Myanmar previously hosted the Southeast Asian Games in 1961.
March 1962: Military Takeover and Burmese Way to Socialism
On March 2, 1962, General Ne Win's military coup led to the establishment of a revolutionary council. The government implemented the Burmese Way to Socialism, nationalizing industries and centralizing control.
July 1962: Rangoon University Demonstrations Suppressed
On July 7, 1962, government forces violently dispersed demonstrations at Rangoon University, resulting in the deaths of 15 students.
1962: Military Coup and Persecution
Following the military coup led by General Ne Win in 1962, Burmese Indians, Burmese Chinese, and other ethnic groups faced persecution, leading to the expulsion or emigration of 300,000 people.
1962: Military Coup and Dictatorship
A coup d'état in 1962 resulted in a military dictatorship under the Burma Socialist Programme Party.
1962: Military Coup
A military coup took place in Myanmar in 1962.
1962: Coup and Burmese Way to Socialism
After the 1962 coup d'état, Myanmar adopted the "Burmese Way to Socialism", an economic plan that aimed to nationalize all industries except agriculture.
1962: Start of Military Rule
Myanmar's period of military rule began in 1962, characterized by repression and human rights abuses.
1962: Military Coup in Burma
The military, led by General Ne Win, seized control of Burma in a coup d'état in 1962, following demands for autonomy from non-Burman ethnic groups.
1964: Nationalization of Private Enterprise
In 1964, the wholesale nationalization of private enterprises in Myanmar prompted further migration of Burmese Indians, Burmese Chinese, and other ethnic groups seeking to escape racial discrimination and economic hardship.
1966: Collaboration with IRRI
Between 1966 and 1997, Myanmar partnered with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and successfully introduced 52 new rice varieties in the country.
1969: Previous Southeast Asian Games Hosting
Myanmar previously hosted the Southeast Asian Games in 1969.
1974: Adoption of Socialist Constitution
A new constitution establishing the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma was adopted in 1974.
1974: Constitution of the Socialist Republic and Protests
A new constitution for the Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma was adopted in 1974. The same year, anti-government protests erupted during the funeral of U Thant and were met with a forceful response from the military.
1975: Suppression of Student Protests
Student protests against the government in 1975 were swiftly put down using overwhelming force.
1976: Suppression of Student Protests
Student protests against the government in 1976 were swiftly put down using overwhelming force.
1977: Suppression of Student Protests
Student protests against the government in 1977 were swiftly put down using overwhelming force.
1978: Rohingya Exodus to Bangladesh
In 1978, 200,000 Rohingya Muslims fled to Bangladesh as a result of the King Dragon operation in Arakan.
1982: Rohingya Citizenship Denied
A 1982 citizenship law in Myanmar marked a turning point for the Rohingya people. This law denied them citizenship, despite generations of Rohingya having lived in Burma. This decision effectively rendered them stateless and opened the door for systemic discrimination and persecution. The Burmese regime's actions aimed to displace the Rohingya population and replace them with non-Rohingyas, leading to the expulsion of roughly half of the Rohingya population from Burma.
1982: Rohingya Citizenship Denied
A 1982 citizenship law in Myanmar marked a turning point for the Rohingya people. This law denied them citizenship, despite generations of Rohingya having lived in Burma. This decision effectively rendered them stateless and opened the door for systemic discrimination and persecution. The Burmese regime's actions aimed to displace the Rohingya population and replace them with non-Rohingyas, leading to the expulsion of roughly half of the Rohingya population from Burma.
1983: Fertility Rate at 4.7
In 1983, Myanmar had a fertility rate of 4.7 children per woman.
1987: Request for Least Developed Country Status
In 1987, facing economic difficulties and seeking debt relief, Myanmar applied for "Least Developed Country" status from the United Nations.
1987: Rice Production Reaches 14 Million Tons
By 1987, thanks in part to the introduction of modern rice varieties, Myanmar's national rice production reached 14 million tons.
August 1988: 8888 Uprising
On August 8, 1988, the 8888 Uprising led to a nominal transition to a multi-party system in Myanmar.
1988: Government Tightens Control Over Film Industry
Following the political events of 1988, the Myanmar government increased its control over the film industry, imposing censorship, regulating film production, and banning politically active film stars.
1988: End of One-Party Rule
Myanmar's period of one-party rule, with the Burma Socialist Programme Party (BSPP) in control, came to an end in 1988.
1988: 8888 Uprising and Military Coup
The 8888 Uprising, a series of pro-democracy demonstrations across Burma, was met with brutal force from the government. General Saw Maung led a coup and established the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).
1988: Modern Rice Varieties Dominate
By 1988, modern rice varieties were planted on 50% of Myanmar's riceland, including 98% of irrigated areas, demonstrating their impact on rice cultivation.
May 1989: People's Assembly Elections Announced
The State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) announced plans to hold People's Assembly elections on May 31, 1989.
June 1989: Myanmar Adopts New Official Name
On June 18, 1989, 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 from the colonial period, including renaming Burma to Myanmar, a move that remains contested.
1989: Renaming of Burma to Myanmar
In 1989, the military government officially changed the English translations of many names dating back to Burma's colonial period, including the country's name from Burma to Myanmar.
1989: Martial Law Declared
Following widespread protests in 1989, SLORC imposed martial law.
May 1990: NLD Wins Multi-Party Elections
The National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won a landslide victory in the May 1990 multi-party elections, securing 80% of the seats. However, the military junta refused to hand over power.
1990: General Election
In 1990, Myanmar held a general election which was later annulled.
1990: Maternal Mortality Rate Comparison
The maternal mortality rate in Myanmar in 1990 was 662 deaths per 100,000 births.
1991: Continued Rohingya Exodus
The exodus of Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar continued, with an additional 250,000 fleeing to Bangladesh in 1991.
1992: Than Shwe Assumes Leadership
General Than Shwe took over as Chairman, effectively becoming Myanmar's top leader, from General Saw Maung in 1992.
1992: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Myanmar signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in 1992, committing to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
1993: Roadmap to Discipline-flourishing Democracy
The military government unveiled a "Roadmap to Discipline-flourishing Democracy" in 1993, but the process faced several setbacks.
1995: New Forestry Law Impacts
Since the implementation of the 1995 forestry law, heavy logging has led to a significant decline in forest area and wildlife habitat in Myanmar. While the coastal areas were once rich in mangroves and supported a variety of tropical fruits, much of the protective mangroves have been depleted. Vegetation in central Myanmar, particularly in the dry zone, is sparse and stunted.
1996: Rice Production Reaches 19 Million Tons
Myanmar's rice production reached 19 million tons in 1996, marking a significant increase attributed to the adoption of modern rice varieties.
June 1997: Myanmar Joins ASEAN
Myanmar became a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in June 1997.
1997: Myanmar Joins ASEAN
Myanmar became a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1997.
1997: Establishment of the State Peace and Development Council
The military junta, previously known as SLORC, transitioned into the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) in 1997.
1997: End of Collaboration with IRRI
By 1997, Myanmar's collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) had resulted in the introduction of 52 modern rice varieties, contributing to increased rice production.
September 2000: Nuclear Reactor Announcement
The military junta in Myanmar informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about its plans to construct a research nuclear reactor near Pyin Oo Lwin in September 2000.
2000: Myanmar's Official Literacy Rate
According to the UNESCO Institute of Statistics, Myanmar's official literacy rate in 2000 was 90%.
December 2001: Administrative Divisions Data
As of December 31, 2001, data was compiled regarding the number of districts, townships, cities/towns, wards, village groups, and villages within each division and state of Myanmar.
2001: Fertility Rate Declines to 2.4
By 2001, Myanmar's fertility rate had significantly declined to 2.4 children per woman, despite the absence of a national population control policy, indicating changing social and economic factors.
2001: Restrictions on Tourist Interactions
In 2001, the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board issued an order to local officials to restrict interactions between tourists and Burmese people, aiming to control the dissemination of information and limit exposure to political discussions.
November 2005: Relocation of the National Capital
The military junta relocated the national capital from Yangon to a site near Pyinmana in November 2005.
2005: Estimated Adult HIV Prevalence Rate
In 2005, UNAIDS estimated that the adult HIV prevalence rate in Myanmar was 1.3% (representing 200,000–570,000 people).
2005: Evidence of Ethnic Cleansing
In 2005, research emerged revealing the Burmese military's campaign of violence and displacement against ethnic minorities, notably the Karen, Karenni, and Shan communities.
2005: UN Resolutions on Myanmar
Until 2005, the UN General Assembly consistently adopted detailed resolutions concerning the situation in Myanmar.
March 2006: Naypyidaw Designated as New Capital
The military junta officially named its new capital Naypyidaw, which translates to "city of the kings," in March 2006.
2006: Myanmar Forgoes ASEAN Chair
Myanmar declined to assume the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN and host the ASEAN Summit in 2006.
2006: Resettlement of Burmese Refugees
Since 2006, over 55,000 Burmese refugees have been resettled in the United States.
2006: UN General Assembly Resolution
In 2006, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution urging the Myanmar government to halt systematic human rights violations.
January 2007: UN Security Council Veto
Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution in January 2007 that urged Myanmar to address human rights concerns and initiate democratic reforms. South Africa also opposed the resolution.
August 2007: Saffron Revolution
Rising fuel prices triggered the Saffron Revolution, a series of protests led by Buddhist monks in August 2007.
September 2007: Government Crackdown on Saffron Revolution
On September 26, 2007, the government initiated a crackdown on the Saffron Revolution, with reports of violence and barricades at the Shwedagon Pagoda.
2007: AIDS-Related Deaths
According to Doctors Without Borders, 25,000 Burmese AIDS patients died in 2007, many of whom could have been saved with antiretroviral therapy drugs and proper treatment.
2007: Muslim Persecution and Exodus
By 2007, over 200,000 Muslims had fled to Bangladesh to escape persecution in Myanmar, particularly in the eastern part of the country.
2007: Graphic Novel "Chroniques Birmanes" Published
Québécois author Guy Delisle published "Chroniques Birmanes," a graphic novel about Myanmar, in 2007, offering a unique perspective on the country.
May 2008: Constitutional Referendum
In May 2008, Myanmar held a referendum on the military-drafted constitution. Despite an officially reported turnout of 99% with 92.4% voting in favor, the results were widely disputed by international observers and the National League of Democracy due to allegations of fraud, ballot manipulation, and voter intimidation.
May 2008: Cyclone Nargis Devastates Myanmar
Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in May 2008, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The government's response to the disaster was criticized for its isolationist stance and delays in accepting international aid.
September 2008: Myanmar's Third Constitution
Drafted by military rulers and published in September 2008, this constitution established Myanmar as a parliamentary system with a bicameral legislature and an executive president. Notably, 25% of the legislature's seats were reserved for military appointees.
November 2008: Bangladesh-Myanmar Border Tensions
Tensions arose between Myanmar and Bangladesh in November 2008 over natural gas exploration in a disputed area of the Bay of Bengal. The situation was further complicated by the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis.
2008: Maternal Mortality Rate Comparison
The maternal mortality rate in Myanmar in 2008 was 219.3 deaths per 100,000 births.
2008: New Constitution
Myanmar adopted a new constitution in 2008, establishing the country as a unitary assembly-independent republic.
2008: Rice Production Estimated at 50 Million Tons
In 2008, rice production in Myanmar was estimated to have reached 50 million tons.
2008: Blogger Zarganar Imprisoned for Cyclone Nargis Video
In 2008, blogger Zarganar was sentenced to prison for publishing a video depicting the destruction caused by Cyclone Nargis, highlighting the severe restrictions on internet freedom at the time.
2008: Decline in Myanmar's Film Industry
In 2008, Myanmar's film industry saw a decline, with only 12 films considered for an Academy Award, while the production of lower-budget direct-to-video films, mostly comedies, increased.
2008: New Draft Constitution and Referendum
In 2008, the government released a new draft constitution and held a referendum, which was criticized for its flaws, to adopt it. The new constitution aimed to maintain the military's control while allowing for a national assembly and a president.
August 2009: Conflict Erupts in Shan State
In August 2009, a conflict erupted in northern Myanmar's Shan State between junta troops and ethnic minority groups, leading to a large-scale displacement of civilians.
November 2009: UN Condemnation of Human Rights Abuses
The UN General Assembly strongly condemned the systematic human rights violations in Myanmar in November 2009, urging the military regime to cease such actions and adhere to international law.
2009: Burmese Refugees in Thailand
By 2009, approximately 110,000 Burmese refugees were residing in refugee camps in Thailand.
2009: Documentary "Burma VJ" Released
The documentary "Burma VJ," which focuses on Burmese videojournalists, was released in 2009, garnering critical acclaim for its portrayal of citizen journalism in a restrictive environment.
2010: End of Military Rule
Myanmar's period of direct military rule ended in 2010 with the establishment of a nominally civilian government, though the military retained significant influence.
2010: Maternal Mortality Rate
The maternal mortality rate in Myanmar in 2010 was 240 deaths per 100,000 births.
2010: General Election and Formation of Civilian Government
The first general election in two decades took place in 2010, but it was boycotted by the NLD. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party claimed victory amid allegations of fraud. A nominally civilian government was subsequently established, with retired general Thein Sein as president.
2010: General Election and Aftermath
The 2010 general elections in Myanmar saw the victory of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party. The election was criticized for lack of fairness, including the exclusion of non-government-sanctioned parties and the ban on the National League for Democracy. However, a significant outcome was the release of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, signaling a potential shift towards openness.
2010: Improved Foreign Relations and EU Sanctions
Myanmar's foreign relations, especially with Western nations, saw considerable improvement after the 2010 elections. However, the European Union maintained sanctions, including an arms embargo, trade limitations, and a suspension of aid, except for humanitarian assistance.
2010: Suspicions of North Korean Involvement
Leaked diplomatic cables in 2010 raised concerns about potential North Korean construction teams assisting Myanmar in building a fortified surface-to-air missile facility.
2010: Pew Research Center Religious Demographics
In 2010, the Pew Research Center estimated that 7% of Myanmar's population was Christian, 4% Muslim, 1% followed traditional animistic beliefs, and 2% adhered to other religions.
2010: General Election
A general election was held in 2010, prompting the dissolution of the military junta and the installation of a nominally civilian government in 2011.
2010: "Burma VJ" Nominated for Academy Award
"Burma VJ" was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2010 Academy Awards, highlighting the film's international recognition and impact.
March 2011: Dissolution of the State Peace and Development Council
The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), which had governed Myanmar since 1997, was dissolved in March 2011.
August 2011: Transition to New Government and Human Rights Improvements
August 2011 marked a shift in Myanmar's political landscape with the transition to a new government. This period saw signs of progress in human rights, as noted by organizations like the Crisis Group and Freedom in the World. The release of political prisoners, relaxed restrictions, and improvements in civil liberties contributed to a more positive outlook.
September 2011: Relaxation of Reporting Laws and Unblocking of Websites
September 2011 saw Myanmar take steps toward greater freedom of information. While reporting laws remained restrictive, the government relaxed some regulations. Notably, previously banned websites like YouTube, Democratic Voice of Burma, and Voice of America became accessible.
September 2011: "The Lady" Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
"The Lady", a film about Aung San Suu Kyi, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2011.
September 2011: Formation of Human Rights Commission and Release of Political Prisoners
In September 2011, Myanmar took significant steps toward human rights reform. The government established a National Human Rights Commission, comprising 15 members from diverse backgrounds. President Thein Sein's call for expatriates to contribute to national development led to the return of activists from exile. Additionally, Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin announced the government's intention to release political prisoners.
October 2011: Blogger Zarganar Released from Prison
Zarganar, a blogger imprisoned for publishing a video about Cyclone Nargis' destruction in 2008, was released in October 2011.
November 2011: Easing of US Sanctions
Following improvements in Myanmar's foreign relations, particularly after the 2010 elections, the United States eased sanctions and restrictions on foreign aid to Myanmar in November 2011.
December 2011: Political and Economic Reforms
In December 2011, Myanmar initiated a series of political and economic reforms, including releasing Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, establishing the National Human Rights Commission, and granting amnesties to political prisoners. These reforms also encompassed new labor laws allowing unions and strikes, relaxed press censorship, and regulated currency practices. This prompted the first visit by a US Secretary of State in over fifty years.
2011: Dissolution of Military Junta
The military junta was officially dissolved in 2011 following a 2010 general election, leading to the installation of a nominally civilian government.
2011: Freedom House Report
The Freedom in the World 2011 report by Freedom House documented the Myanmar military junta's suppression of basic rights and human rights abuses.
2011: Fertility Rate at 2.23
In 2011, Myanmar's fertility rate was recorded at 2.23 children per woman, slightly higher than the replacement level but relatively low compared to other Southeast Asian nations with similar economic development.
2011: Start of Democratic Transition and Continued Violence
Despite the initiation of a democratic transition in 2011, Myanmar continued to experience internal conflict and violence. This period was marked by tragic incidents, resulting in the loss of 280 lives and the displacement of 140,000 people from their homes, particularly in the Rakhine state.
January 2012: Resumption of US-Myanmar Diplomatic Relations
On January 13, 2012, the United States officially announced the resumption of full diplomatic relations with Myanmar, marking a significant thaw in relations after years of tension.
April 2012: NLD Participates in By-elections
In April 2012, Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party participated in by-elections after the government abolished laws that previously barred them. The NLD secured a resounding victory by winning 43 out of the 45 available seats. This election also marked the first time international observers were permitted to monitor the voting process in Myanmar.
May 2012: US Eases Sanctions
In May 2012, the United States started to lift its economic sanctions on Myanmar in response to ongoing political reforms in the country.
June 2012: Child Soldier Recruitment Exposed
Reports in June 2012 revealed the Burmese Army's use of child soldiers, often recruited through forced conscription or by exploiting poverty with meager payments.
July 2012: Rohingya Excluded from Ethnic Groups
In July 2012, the Myanmar government further marginalized the Rohingya minority by excluding them from the official list of over 130 recognized ethnic races. This exclusion reinforced their stateless status, denying them basic rights and freedoms.
August 2012: Myanmar Government Announces End to Media Censorship
In August 2012, the Burmese government declared that it would no longer censor media before publication, marking a significant shift in the country's media landscape.
September 2012: Release of Child Soldiers and ILO Intervention
The Myanmar Armed Forces released 42 child soldiers in September 2012. The International Labour Organization engaged with the government and the Kachin Independence Army to secure the release of more child soldiers.
October 2012: Ongoing Conflicts and al-Qaeda's Interest in Myanmar
By October 2012, Myanmar faced multiple ongoing conflicts, including the Kachin conflict, the Rohingya crisis in Rakhine State, and clashes between the government and ethnic groups in the east. Additionally, al-Qaeda expressed an intention to get involved in Myanmar.
November 2012: Continued Human Rights Concerns
In November 2012, Samantha Power, then-US Ambassador to the UN, highlighted ongoing human rights violations in Myanmar, particularly targeting women and children, despite some reforms.
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: Improvements in Civil Liberties and Political Rights
In 2012, Myanmar showed positive developments in civil liberties and political rights, earning recognition from international observers. The country's score in the Freedom in the World report improved, reflecting the impact of these changes.
2012: Myanmar Government Lifts Internet Censorship
In 2012, the Myanmar government removed internet censorship, ending a period of strict control over online activities and communication.
February 2013: Further Easing of US Sanctions
The United States continued to lift economic sanctions on Myanmar from May 2012 to February 2013 due to ongoing political reforms taking place in the country.
March 2013: Renewed Unrest Between Buddhist and Muslim Communities
In March 2013, a UN envoy reported a resurgence of conflict between Myanmar's Buddhist and Muslim communities. This wave of violence spread to areas near Yangon, exacerbating tensions and highlighting the fragility of inter-community relations.
April 2013: Media Liberalization Reforms Enacted
Following the announcement in August 2012, media liberalization reforms were enacted in April 2013. For the first time in decades, privately owned newspapers were permitted to operate in Myanmar.
May 2013: Historic White House Visit
In a landmark event, President Thein Sein became the first Myanmar president to visit the White House in 47 years. President Obama commended the political and economic reforms and the easing of US-Myanmar tensions. Despite concerns from activists about human rights, the visit led to an agreement on a bilateral trade and investment framework.
June 2013: World Economic Forum on East Asia
Myanmar hosted its first-ever World Economic Forum on East Asia in June 2013. This regional edition of the Davos forum drew 1,200 participants, including world leaders, ministers, and business executives.
July 2013: Political Prisoners
The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reported approximately 100 political prisoners detained in Myanmar in July 2013.
2013: Promise to Release Political Prisoners and Support for Rohingya
During his visit to the UK in 2013, Myanmar President Thein Sein made significant pledges. In a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron, he promised to release all political prisoners by the end of the year. Furthermore, he expressed support for the well-being of the Rohingya Muslim community, marking a potential shift in the government's stance.
2013: Overland Tourist Routes Open
Starting in 2013, at least one tourist company began operating commercial overland routes into and out of Myanmar, utilizing border crossings that permitted private vehicles.
2013: Southeast Asian Games
The 2013 Southeast Asian Games were held in Naypyidaw, Yangon, Mandalay, and Ngwesaung Beach in December, marking the third time Myanmar has hosted the event.
2013: Continued Progress in Human Rights
Building on the momentum of the previous year, Myanmar continued to make strides in human rights in 2013. The country's score in civil liberties and political freedoms further improved, signaling a positive trajectory.
2013: Economic Standing
In 2013, Myanmar's GDP (nominal) was US$56.7 billion, and its GDP (PPP) was US$221.5 billion.
December 2014: Establishment of Yangon Stock Exchange
December 2014 marked a significant milestone in Myanmar's economic development with the establishment of its first stock exchange, the Yangon Stock Exchange. This development aimed to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth.
2014: Myanmar Census on Religion
The 2014 Myanmar Census revealed that 87.9% of the population identified as Buddhists, with Theravada Buddhism being the most prevalent form.
2014: Myanmar Census Religious Demographics
The 2014 census recorded that 6.2% of the population identified 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% as having no religion.
2014: Myanmar to Chair ASEAN
In 2014, Myanmar's international reputation improved, indicated by ASEAN's approval of Myanmar's bid to assume the position of ASEAN chair in 2014.
2014: Myanmar Census
The 2014 Myanmar Census reported a total population of 51,419,420, excluding those who were out of the country or residing in specific areas affected by conflict.
2014: Myanmar Chairs ASEAN
Myanmar chaired the ASEAN forum and hosted the ASEAN Summit in 2014.
2014: Violence and Displacement in Rakhine State
Despite the initiation of a democratic transition in 2011, Myanmar continued to experience internal conflict and violence. This period was marked by tragic incidents, resulting in the loss of 280 lives and the displacement of 140,000 people from their homes, particularly in the Rakhine state.
February 2015: Kokang Offensive and Tensions with China
February 2015 saw the Kokang offensive, an armed conflict between ethnic Chinese rebels and the Myanmar Armed Forces, resulting in a significant displacement of civilians. China was accused of providing support to the rebels, escalating tensions with Myanmar.
April 2015: World Bank Partnership
In April 2015, the World Bank and Myanmar announced a full partnership framework to improve access to electricity and basic services for around six million people. This partnership aimed to benefit three million pregnant women and children through better health services. Myanmar could prepare for climate change impacts through acquired funding and planning. This included programs teaching new farming methods, rebuilding infrastructure using disaster-resilient materials, and transitioning sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
November 2015: General Elections
Myanmar held its first openly contested general elections in November 2015 since the annulled 1990 elections. The NLD won an absolute majority in both chambers of parliament, securing the presidency. However, Aung San Suu Kyi was constitutionally barred from assuming the role.
2015: Decline in Opium Poppy Cultivation
Starting in 2015, Myanmar saw a year-on-year decline in opium poppy cultivation until 2022, when cultivation increased again.
2015: Myanmar General Election
The 2015 Myanmar general election was held, resulting in improved foreign relations and eased economic sanctions.
2015: USDP Defeat
The military-affiliated Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) faced a significant defeat in the 2015 general election, faring even worse than their performance in the 2020 elections.
February 2016: New Parliament Convenes
The newly elected parliament convened in February 2016 following the 2015 general election.
March 2016: Htin Kyaw Elected President
On March 15, 2016, Htin Kyaw was elected as the first non-military president in Myanmar since the 1962 military coup.
April 2016: Aung San Suu Kyi as State Counsellor
On April 6, 2016, Aung San Suu Kyi took on the newly created role of state counsellor, a position similar to a prime minister.
2016: Environmental Performance Index
In 2016, Myanmar ranked poorly (153 out of 180 countries) in the global Environmental Performance Index (EPI), placing it among the lowest in South Asia. The country's worst environmental areas were air quality (ranked 174th), health impacts from environmental problems (143rd), and biodiversity and habitat (142nd). It performed best in the environmental impacts of fisheries (21st) but faced declining fish stocks.
2016: Myanmar Ranks Last in Asia in Networked Readiness Index
The World Economic Forum's Networked Readiness Index (NRI) for 2016 ranked Myanmar as the lowest Asian country, indicating the underdeveloped state of its information and communication technologies.
2016: Aung San Suu Kyi's Alleged Inaction
In 2016, Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Myanmar, faced accusations of failing to protect the country's Muslim minority. These allegations raised concerns about the government's commitment to protecting the rights of all its citizens.
August 2017: Reports of Sexual Assault Against Rohingya Women
In a grim report from August 2017, Doctors Without Borders revealed they had treated 113 Rohingya refugee women for sexual assault. Disturbingly, almost all of these women identified military personnel as their assailants.
2017: Human Trafficking and Government Inaction
In 2017, Myanmar witnessed a significant number of human trafficking cases, with 185 reported instances. The victims, mostly unemployed women with low incomes, were often lured by brokers with false promises of lucrative opportunities abroad. Sadly, the Burmese government's efforts to combat human trafficking were minimal, and both the government and Tatmadaw were implicated in sex and labor trafficking, according to the U.S. State Department.
2017: Myanmar's Purchasing Power Adjusted GDP
In 2017, Myanmar's estimated purchasing power adjusted GDP reached US$327.629 billion, as reported by the World Bank. This figure highlights the country's economic potential.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index
In 2019, Myanmar had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 7.18/10, ranking it 49th out of 172 countries globally.
2019: Corruption Perceptions Index Ranking
In 2019, Myanmar ranked 130th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating a high level of perceived corruption within the nation.
2019: US Assessment of Nuclear Program
In 2019, the US Bureau of Arms Control assessed that while Myanmar remained compliant with the Non-Proliferation Treaty, its history of limited transparency regarding nuclear programs raised concerns.
2019: Myanmar's Economic Growth
Myanmar's economy experienced impressive growth, with its nominal GDP reaching US$76.09 billion in 2019. This rapid expansion positioned the country as one of the fastest-growing economies globally.
May 2020: Drug Bust in Shan State
In May 2020, authorities in Myanmar conducted Asia's largest drug bust in Shan State, seizing a record amount of methamphetamine tablets, crystal methamphetamine, heroin, and drug precursors.
2020: General Election
Myanmar's 2020 parliamentary election saw the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, compete against other parties, notably the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). The NLD won a landslide victory on November 8th.
2020: Military Coup and Ongoing Protests
Following the 2020 Myanmar general election, the Burmese military (Tatmadaw) seized power in a coup d'état, leading to widespread protests and political repression.
2020: Human Development Index Ranking
As of 2020, Myanmar ranked 147 out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index, the lowest in Southeast Asia.
February 2021: Conflict Threatens Rare Earth Mines
As of February 2021, ongoing conflict in Kachin State posed a threat to the operation of rare-earth mines in Myanmar, impacting the country's ability to supply these minerals globally.
February 2021: Military Coup and Government Structure
Despite Myanmar's 2008 constitution establishing it as a unitary assembly-independent republic, a military coup in February 2021 ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. The military declared a one-year state of emergency, and First Vice President Myint Swe assumed the acting presidency before transferring power to Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hlaing. Min Aung Hlaing became Chairman of the State Administration Council, acting as the de facto head of government, while the President remained the de jure head of state.
February 2021: Military Coup
In the early hours of February 1, 2021, the day parliament was to convene, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar's military) detained Aung San Suu Kyi and other ruling party members, seizing power. They declared a year-long state of emergency, shut borders, and restricted travel and communication. The military announced plans to form a new election commission, suggesting new elections in about a year. However, they avoided a firm commitment to this timeline.
March 2021: Military Extends Martial Law
By March 2021, the military leadership continued expanding martial law to more regions in Yangon while security forces killed 38 people in a single day of violence.
May 2021: Formation of People's Defence Force
On May 5, 2021, the National Unity Government of Myanmar announced the creation of an armed wing, the People's Defence Force (PDF). This date is often considered the beginning of a full-blown civil war. The PDF aimed to protect supporters from the military junta and act as the foundation for a Federal Union Army.
2021: Election Results and Military Allegations
As the 2020 election results came out, the USDP disputed the outcome and called for a new election with military observation. Over 90 smaller parties participated, some raising concerns about irregularities, despite election observers reporting no significant issues. The NLD's victory was confirmed by the election commission, but the USDP and the military continued to allege fraud. In January 2021, the NLD announced Aung San Suu Kyi would retain her State Counsellor position in the next government.
2021: Record Methamphetamine Seizures
In 2021, East and Southeast Asian countries recorded their highest ever seizures of methamphetamine, exceeding 171 tons and a billion tablets, highlighting the region's growing drug production problem.
2021: Global Innovation Index Ranking
Myanmar ranked 127th in the Global Innovation Index in 2021.
2021: Displacement Due to Violence
Since 2021, over 600,000 people have been displaced across Myanmar due to the surge in violence following the coup.
2022: Increase in Opium Poppy Cultivation
In 2022, after years of decline, opium poppy cultivation in Myanmar increased by 33%, reaching 40,100 hectares and a potential yield of 790 tonnes.
August 2023: Cyber Scam Centers and Human Rights Abuses
In August 2023, a concerning report from the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights revealed a dark side of Myanmar's border areas. A thriving cyber-scam industry, often operating in territories controlled by junta allies, has been linked to human trafficking, forced labor, and other abuses. The report estimates that at least 120,000 individuals are trapped in these scam centers, exploited by criminal gangs.
2024: Ongoing Civil War
As of 2024, the civil war that began in 2021 is still ongoing in Myanmar.