Myanmar is the second largest country in Southeast Asia with a total land area of 676,578 square kilometreswith fertile tropical deltas in the south and a rugged landscape in the Himalayan foothills of the north. It shares borders with 40% of the world’s population - to the north and northeast with the People’s Republic of China, to the east and southeast with Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Thailand, and to the west and northwest with Bangladesh and India.  Myanmar’s 2,800 kilometre coastline provides access to sea routes and deep-sea ports, and the country is rich in natural resources including arable land, forests, minerals, natural gas, and freshwater and marine resources. The economy is dominated by agriculture and farm-related activities which account for 36% of gross domestic product (GDP) and 60%–70% of employment (ADB). Despite its abundance of natural resources, the per capita gross national income has been estimated to be USD 1,144 per year (2011). Long-standing conflicts remain a challenge.

Myanmar is also one of the world's most diverse countries, with a rich history and a wealth of cultural and religious traditions, and as many as 135 different ethnic groups. Current population estimates vary widely, from 48 million to over 60 million people. While the country’s population density is among the lowest in South East Asia, this masks a wide variation with two-thirds of the population living in rural areas and the larger urban populations concentrated in Yangon and Mandalay.

Administratively, Myanmar is divided into seven states, seven regions and one union territory (Nay Pyi Taw). The states - Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, and Shan - cover mainly the upland areas and are largely populated by national races/ethnic communities. The regions - Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, and Yangon - are situated mainly on the plains with a population of predominantly Bamar origin.

This page contains countrywide resources. Additional resources for specific States/Regions or Special Interest Regions such as the South East and Dry Zone can be found through the Search by Location sections in the Fast Find box or on the Home page.