Published November 30, 2011 By Michael Berman and Raphaël Jaeger Country Profile CCPPR11MM Report available in PDF and Flash formats

After five decades of totalitarian military rule, the junta was dissolved in 2011 following a general election. Though the military continues to dominate politics, the civilian government has nevertheless rapidly implemented a series of reforms including the right to form trade unions, the release of some 6,000 political prisoners as well as easing media censorship and allowing the National League for Democracy party to participate the upcoming elections. The U.S. secretary of State’s visit to Naypyidaw in December 2011 was aimed to encourage President Thein Sein to deepen the reform process in Myanmar that has been approved to chair the ASEAN summit in 2014. Heavy government control of the state has arrested economic growth. Despite being resource rich, a lack of foreign investment, high inflation and deficits continue to restrict production. During 2010, Myanmar was devastated by Cyclone Nargis, which killed over 130,000 and displaced many more. Ethnic minorities continue to emigrate out of Myanmar and corruption pervades all levels of society, leading to a critical divide between elites, the working class, and minorities.

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