Myanmar (formerly Burma)

Burma (Myanmar) is a developing agrarian country emerging from decades of rule by an authoritarian military regime. Following elections in November 2010, a civilian government headed by President Thein Sein has initiated a series of political and economic reforms that have resulted in a substantial opening of the long-isolated country. These reforms have included the release of many political prisoners, preliminary peace agreements with some armed ethnic groups, greater freedom of the press, and parliamentary by-elections in 2012 in which pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her opposition party won a landslide victory.

After a long period of isolation, Burma has started to encourage tourism. As a foreigner, you can expect to pay more than locals do for accommodations, domestic airfares, and entry to tourist sites. Tourist facilities in Rangoon, Bagan, Ngapali Beach, Inle Lake, and Mandalay are superior to tourist facilities in other parts of the country, where they are limited or nonexistent. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Burma for additional information.