World Happiness Report for Myanmar 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Myanmar: 118
- Happiness Score Myanmar:4.354
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Myanmar. MM.
Myanmar is a country in Southeast Asia with a parliamentary republic political structure.
- Myanmar has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional arts, music, and dance.
- The country has a growing economy, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resource extraction.
- Myanmar is home to diverse ethnic groups and languages, contributing to its cultural diversity.
Myanmar – A Comprehensive Overview
History and Background
Early History: The region of present-day Myanmar has been home to various ancient civilizations, including the Pyu, Mon, and Bamar. The Pyu cities of Sri Ksetra and Halin were among the earliest urban centers, dating back to the 1st century BCE. The Mon kingdom of Dvaravati flourished in the 6th to 11th centuries CE, leaving behind impressive Buddhist monuments.
Kingdoms and Empires: The Bagan Kingdom (849-1297 CE) was the first unified Bamar empire and a significant center of Buddhist culture, renowned for its thousands of pagodas and stupas. The Toungoo Dynasty (1510-1752) expanded Myanmar’s territories, while the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885) ruled over a vast empire that included parts of modern-day Thailand, Laos, and India.
Colonial Period: Myanmar (then known as Burma) fell under British colonial rule in the 19th century, following three Anglo-Burmese Wars. The British annexed the kingdom in 1886, and it became a province of British India until 1937 when it became a separate colony.
Independence and Modern Era: Myanmar gained independence from Britain in 1948 but experienced significant political turmoil, including a military coup in 1962 that ushered in a socialist military regime led by General Ne Win. The country remained under military rule until 2011, with periods of popular uprisings and suppression of democracy movements, notably the 1988 Uprising and the house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Current Political Situation: Myanmar has nominally transitioned to a civilian government, but the military retains significant power. The 2021 military coup ousted the democratically elected government and sparked widespread civil unrest and armed resistance.
International Relations: Myanmar has faced international sanctions and condemnation for human rights violations, particularly against the Rohingya minority. The country maintains close ties with China and has strained relations with many Western nations.
Human Development and Economy: Myanmar has rich natural resources, including oil, gas, and gems, but remains one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and extractive industries.
Cultural Highlights: Myanmar is a culturally diverse nation with over 135 ethnic groups. Buddhism is the dominant religion, and the country is known for its stunning pagodas, including Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Traditional arts, such as lacquerware and puppetry, are integral to Myanmar’s cultural heritage.
Challenges and Opportunities: Myanmar faces ongoing challenges related to democratic reforms, ethnic conflicts, and human rights issues. However, its rich natural resources, strategic location, and cultural attractions present opportunities for economic development and tourism if stability and inclusivity are achieved.
Travel Tips for Myanmar
– Best times to visit: November to February (dry and cool) or March to May (hot but fewer crowds).
– Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and remove shoes before entering temples.
– Obtain necessary visas and comply with travel restrictions in certain areas.
– Major attractions: Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon), Bagan Archaeological Zone, Inle Lake, Mandalay.
– Try traditional Burmese cuisine, like mohinga (fish soup), tea leaf salad, and Shan-style noodles.
– Exercise caution and follow local advice regarding areas with ongoing conflicts or civil unrest.
Living in Myanmar
– Cost of living is relatively low, but quality housing and healthcare can be expensive.
– Rent or purchase property through legal channels, as land ownership laws are complex.
– Public healthcare system is underfunded; expatriates often seek private medical care.
– International schools and English-language universities are available in major cities.
Main facts
1. Location
Myanmar is a sovereign state located in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Bangladesh and India to the northwest, China to the northeast, Laos and Thailand to the east and southeast, and the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal to the south and southwest.
2. Map References
Myanmar is located in the Southeastern part of the Asian continent.
3. Area – Comparative
With a total area of 676,578 sq km, Myanmar is slightly smaller than Somalia and slightly larger than Afghanistan.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Myanmar has a total land boundary of 6,522 km. It shares borders with the following countries:
– Bangladesh (271 km)
– China (2,204 km)
– India (1,468 km)
– Laos (236 km)
– Thailand (2,416 km)
5. Coastline (if applicable)
Myanmar has a total coastline of 1,930 km, which borders the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
6. Maritime Claims
Myanmar claims the following maritime zones:
– Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
– Contiguous Zone: 24 nautical miles
– Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
– Continental Shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin
7. Climate
Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate. The country experiences three distinct seasons: a cool, dry season from November to February, a hot, dry season from March to May, and a rainy monsoon season from June to October. Coastal regions experience high humidity, while inland areas can have more extreme temperatures.
8. Terrain
Myanmar’s terrain is diverse, with central lowlands ringed by rugged highlands. The major mountain ranges include the Arakan Mountains in the west, the Bago Yomas in the south, and the Shan Plateau in the east. The country is drained by several major river systems, including the Ayeyarwady, Chindwin, Thanlwin, and Sittang rivers.
9. Elevation Extremes
Myanmar’s highest point is Hkakabo Razi, at an elevation of 5,881 m, located in the northern Himalayas.
The lowest point is the Andaman Sea, at 0 m elevation.
10. Natural Resources
Myanmar’s major natural resources include:
– Petroleum
– Timber
– Tin
– Antimony
– Zinc
– Copper
– Tungsten
– Lead
– Coal
– Marble
– Limestone
– Precious Stones
– Natural Gas
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Myanmar include:
– Ayeyarwady River (shared with India)
– Thanlwin River
– Sittang River
– Chindwin River
– Inle Lake
12. Natural Hazards
Myanmar is prone to the following natural hazards:
– Destructive Earthquakes and Tsunamis along its coastlines
– Flooding and Landslides during the rainy season
– Periodic Droughts
– Severe Cyclones along the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal
13. Geography – Notes
Myanmar’s strategic location near major Indian Ocean trade routes has given it geopolitical importance throughout history. The country’s diverse ethnic groups, many of which are concentrated in mountainous border regions, have played a significant role in shaping its complex political landscape. Myanmar also boasts rich biodiversity, with numerous national parks and wildlife reserves protecting its unique ecosystems.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 43.60%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 25,28. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 19.50%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 21.91622195.955974.
- Capital: The capital of Myanmar is Naypyidaw
- Major Cities:
- Yangon – Population: 5.21 million
- Mandalay – Population: 1.225 million
- Naypyidaw – Population: 1.16 million
- Mawlamyine – Population: 433,377
- Bago – Population: 254,796
- Population: 54,045,420
- Area(Km2): 676578
- Population Density( P/Km²):83. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:95
- Official Language(s):Myanmar is Burmese (80%), Shan (3%), Karen (2%), Rakhine (3%).
- Currency: MMK
Main Economic Indicators
Myanmar’s economy is relatively small and underdeveloped, with a nominal GDP of $76.09 billion in 2021. The economy heavily relies on agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of GDP and employs a majority of the workforce. Key economic challenges include limited foreign investment, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of skilled labor. Notable economic policies have focused on economic liberalization and attracting foreign direct investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate for 2021: 6.8%
Inflation rate for 2020: 5.7%
Source: World Bank
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B (Stable)
Moody’s: B2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 21.6%
Industry: 35.6%
Services: 42.8%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Rice, pulses, beans, sesame, groundnuts, sugarcane, fish, and fish products.
Industrial Products: Agricultural processing, wood products, construction materials, gems, metals, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.
Labor Force
Total labor force: 24.98 million (2021 estimate)
Labor force ranking: 25th in the world
Current Account Balance
Current account balance for 2021: -$1.11 billion
Current account balance for 2020: $0.39 billion
Current account balance ranking: 130th in the world (2021)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $18.07 billion (2021)
Key export partners: China, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, India
Main exports: Gas, clothing, precious stones, wood products, agricultural products
Imports: $18.83 billion (2021)
Key import partners: China, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan
Main imports: Refined petroleum, machinery, transportation equipment, plastics, fabrics
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign exchange reserves: $7.83 billion (December 2021)
Gold reserves: 7.3 tonnes (December 2021)
- GDP (Current US$):$76,085,852,617. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 5.40%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 31.20%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.54. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $0.39. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 1.58%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Burmese (singular and plural)
Adjective: Burmese
2. Ethnic Groups
Major Ethnic Groups:
– Bamar/Burman (68%)
– Shan (9%)
– Karen (7%)
– Rakhine (4%)
– Chinese (3%)
– Indian (2%)
– Mon (2%)
– Other (5%)
3. Religions
Religious Affiliations:
– Buddhist (87.9%)
– Christian (6.2%)
– Muslim (4.3%)
– Animist (0.8%)
– Hindu (0.5%)
– Other (0.2%)
– None (0.1%)
4. Age Structure
Age Distribution:
– 0-14 years: 26.59%
– 15-64 years: 67.76%
– 65 years and over: 5.65%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 47.7
Youth Dependency Ratio: 39.2
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 8.4
6. Median Age
Median Age:
– Total: 29.7 years
– Male: 29.1 years
– Female: 30.3 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity Rate: 6.3% of the adult population (2016)
Alcohol Consumption: 3.9 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)
Tobacco Use: 26.1% of adults aged 15 and over (2017)
Life Expectancy at Birth: 67.8 years (2022 estimate)
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 66.9. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 75.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:17.55. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:10. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.15. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 44%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 16,674,093. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):73.90%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw, consists of the following branches:
- Army: The dominant branch, comprising infantry, armored, artillery, and specialized units.
- Navy: Responsible for coastal and maritime defense, including a naval infantry force.
- Air Force: Operates fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
The Myanmar Police Force is responsible for maintaining internal security, supported by paramilitary units like the Border Guard Police and People’s Militia.
Military Expenditures
Myanmar’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2018: 3.1%
- 2019: 3.2%
- 2020: 3.4%
- 2021: 3.6%
- 2022: 3.7%
Myanmar ranks among the top military spenders globally, relative to its GDP.
Personnel Strengths
Myanmar’s total active-duty military personnel stands at approximately 510,000, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 350,000
- Navy: 20,000
- Air Force: 20,000
The Myanmar Police Force has an additional 100,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Myanmar’s military hardware includes:
- Tanks and armored vehicles (primarily Chinese and Russian models)
- Artillery and rocket systems
- Fighter jets (Chinese and Russian models)
- Naval vessels, including coastal patrol craft and submarines
Myanmar has ongoing programs to modernize its military equipment, with recent acquisitions from Russia, China, and Ukraine.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Military service is mandatory for men aged 18-35 and voluntary for women of the same age range. The initial service obligation is typically 2 years.
Military Deployments
Myanmar has a limited overseas military presence, with small contingents deployed for United Nations peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and Lebanon.
Strategic Military Notes
Myanmar’s defense strategy focuses on internal security, counterinsurgency operations, and border defense. The military plays a central role in domestic politics and governance, with the Tatmadaw wielding significant influence.
Myanmar is not a member of any major military alliance but maintains defense cooperation agreements with regional partners, including China, Russia, and India.
- Armed Forces Size: 406000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.68
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 61.70%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.