Explore Myanmar
The country achieved independence from the United Kingdom on 4 January 1948, as the “Union of Burma.” It became the “Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma” on 4 January 1974, before reverting to the “Union of Burma” on 23 September 1988. On 18 June 1989, the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SPDC) adopted the name “Union of Myanmar”.
This controversial name change was not recognized by SPDC opposition groups and many English-speaking nations.
Tourism remains one of the few industries to which ordinary locals have access – in terms of income and communication; authors of subsequent Burma guides say that the vast majority of locals they speak to tell them they want travellers there; human-rights abuses are less likely to occur in areas where the international community is present.
The government stopped forcing foreigners to change US$200.00 into government notes upon arrival; the majority of a careful independent traveller’s expenses can go into the private sector; and keeping the people isolated from international witnesses to internal oppression may only cement the government’s ability to rule.