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Information and Facts About Myanmar — World Vision

Overview

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is situated on the western edge of the Indo-China peninsula. It shares borders with the countries of Bangladesh, India, China, Laos, and Thailand, as well as the Bay of Bengal. Rangoon (the capital) and Mandalay are Myanmar’s largest cities.

The country’s economy has been severely affected by the military junta’s strong government controls, poor economic policies, and rural poverty. Official statistics on foreign trade are skewed due to the volume of black market and unofficial border trade, which is often estimated to be as large as the official economy. Furthermore, Myanmar remains the second largest producer of illicit opium, which the government has not sufficiently controlled or even addressed.

The HIV and AIDS epidemic has gripped the country as Myanmar holds the third highest HIV and AIDS infection rate for all of Asia–more than 330,000 people are infected. The prevalence rate for HIV and AIDS is 1.2 percent of the population. World Vision is working to assist families living with HIV and AIDS as well as offer care and hope to the children orphaned by the disease.

World Vision’s Work

World Vision’s initial involvement in Burma occurred in 1958 when the national church extended an invitation for World Vision to sponsor a pastors conference. Subsequently, World Vision partnered with the Salvation Army in 1959 at the Pyu Children’s Home. Child sponsorship was officially launched in 1962. In addition, World Vision funds allowed the printing of 10,000 Kachin-language New Testament Bibles for distribution among the Burmese. By 1977, more than 1,500 children were sponsored.		Sponsor a Child from Myanmar



 
Country Statistics 
Population47 million
Land Mass253,954 sq. miles
Life Expectancy63 years
Infant Mortality Rate51 / 1,000
Literacy Rate83%
School Enrollment84%
Access to Safe Water78%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)US$220
 
 
The Kyat Rehabilitation Project began in 1976. This effort provided 40 families with a cart, trishaw, or sewing machine to help them recover from flooding that inhibited income-generating capabilities.

With the support of generous donors, World Vision is partnering with families in Myanmar to build brighter futures filled with hope for their children. Currently, nearly 8,000 boys and girls are receiving the benefits of child sponsorship provided by U.S. donors. Activities are under way to help meet immediate needs and promote lasting change to strengthen communities and move families toward self-reliance.

Though a large number of Myanmar’s people are literate, the country’s desperate economic situation indicates that many children are without opportunities to receive a good education or adequate health care. Unless they receive help, boys and girls will never reach their academic potential and will find it difficult to escape the cycle of poverty and improve the future of their communities.

Child sponsorship is providing families with desperately needed food production assistance, medical care, clean water, income-generating opportunities, and education. More boys and girls in Myanmar are growing, thriving, and coming to know God’s love.

Unfortunately, at this time, online picture folders are not available from Myanmar. You may still be able to sponsor a child from Myanmar by submitting a special request.
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