Burma

A man and woman with her child on her back walking on the road between Taungoo and Nay Pyi Daw.

On the road between Taungoo and Nay Pyi Daw. © Piers Benatar (Panos)

Although it is among the poorest nations in Asia, Burma (also known as Myanmar) is one of the least aided poor countries in the world. In addition, it has one of the lowest levels of public investment in health care and education.

Burma’s ruling body, the military State Peace and Development Council, is unaccountable and has no tradition of consultation with or participation by those affected by its decisions. The implementation of policies is hindered by corruption, which affects the poorest most of all.

Key facts

Population:	49 million
Average life expectancy:	62 years
Average per capita income:	US$230
Total UK aid received (2008/09):	£57.6m

Find out more in Key facts: Burma

Major challenges

DFID’s main challenges in Burma are:

poverty and rural livelihoods
health
education.

Find out more in Major challenges: Burma

Cyclone Nargis

On 2/3 May 2008, Cyclone Nargis devastated a large portion of Burma’s Irrawaddy delta and Yangon region, affecting about 2.4 million people, including the loss of some 140,000 lives. It also cost - in damage and lost income - an estimated US$4 billion.

Find out more in Cyclone Nargis : Burma

How We Have Helped

Black Sheep support group makes drug users feel at home

Drug users are beating their habit thanks to a peer support group

Trishaw drivers, market sellers and karaoke singers: the global economic crisis hits Burma

Nobody is immune from the impact of the current global economic crisis, from large banks in the US to car manufacturers in Japan, and even trishaw operators in the Burmese city of Mandalay.

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