1.1.
The Union of Myanmar, also called the Union of Burma, is the largest mainland Southeast Asian country and covers 676,578 square kilometers. Myanmar is bordered by Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and the Lao PDR and has 1,930 kilometers of contiguous coastline on the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. Its terrain consists of central fertile lowlands ringed by steep, rugged highlands and mountain ranges. It has three major rivers systems, and the 2170 kilometer Irrawaddy River is Myanmar’s longest river. Below 2000 meters, Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons that can be cloudy, rainy, hot and humid with temperatures that reach 40°C and coastal regions that accumulate 5000mm of rainfall a year. In the highlands and mountains, there’s a subtropical temperate climate at 2,500 meters, a temperate climate at 3,000 meters, an alpine climate at 3,500 meters with an Arctic climate above it. The higher elevations are subject to heavy snowfall and bad weather.

1.2.
Myanmar’s 2010 elections shifted the county to a civilian parliamentary government, and it is now a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature made up of members appointed by the military and members elected in general elections. The President is the chief of state and head of government. The legislative branch includes the House of Nationalities with 56 of its 224 seats appointed by the military and the House of Representatives with 110 of its 440 seats appointed by the military. The ruling government party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), controls the majority of seats. After the 2010 elections, there were significant political and economic reforms that included permitting opposition political parties to register, the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and hundreds more political prisoners, a reduction of media censorship, opening travel for both locals and foreigners, an easing of many restrictions, and allowing for more open debate in Parliament and the expression of dissent by the populace.

1.3.
With an estimated population of 54.5 million people, Myanmar is 68% Burman, 9% Shan, 7%, Karen, 4% Rakhine, 3% Chinese, and 2% Indian and 2% Mon. The population is 89% Buddhist, 4% Christian, and 4% Muslim. Over 100 languages are spoken in Myanmar, and 65% of the population speaks Burmese, the official language, and Shan, Karen, Chin, Mon, and Rakhine are the principal minority languages spoken. Burmese is the language of business, politics, and education. English was the language of higher education until 1964, but it is not widely spoken today outside the tourism and business sectors and the educated. The country’s literacy rate is 89.9%.

1.4.
While rich in resources like oil, natural gas and timber, Myanmar is a very poor country that isolated itself from the rest of the world for the last 50 years. 32% of the population lives below the poverty line, and its economy is laden with pervasive government controls, inefficient economic policies, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure. Its macroeconomic imbalances include multiple official exchange rates, overvalued currency, and unpredictable inflation. Of its 32.5 million labor force, 70% work in agriculture which is 39% of the GDP, 23% work in the service sector which is 42% of the GDP, and 7% work in industry which is 18% of the GDP. Its natural resources include oil, timber, tin, antimony, zinc, copper, tungsten, lead, coal, marble, limestone, precious stones, natural gas, and hydropower, but due to many factors, foreign investment is still mostly in oil, gas, mining and timber. Manufacturing, tourism, and service sector growth is hampered by poor infrastructure, unpredictable trade policies, and the lack of an educated skilled workforce. However, in late 2012, the country made significant changes to its foreign investment policies.

1.5.
Myanmar’s legal system is a mixed legal system of customary law and English common law that was introduced in its colonial period. There is no jury system in Myanmar, and many of the laws from its colonial period are still in use and the principle of precedent is adhered to. The judiciary is not independent of the executive, and the Supreme Court is the highest court, but has no powers over the Constitution.

1.6.
For foreigners in Myanmar, living conditions can be inadequate especially compared to Thailand, the Philippines, or Malaysia. It is an extremely poor country and lacks reliable medical facilities, doctors, clinics, hospitals and medication. The majority of foreigners live in Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. There is little quality accommodation and it is very expensive, few activities and little entertainment for foreigners, and the country’s infrastructure, transportation, communication, and internet services are all problematic. All foreigners must comply with the country’s immigration and work-permit regulations. The official business language is Burmese, and English is not widely spoken.

1.6.1. – In the past, Myanmar has strictly controlled travel to, from and within the country. Large portions of the country are restricted areas and foreigners need special permission to visit or work in them. However, current government reforms include lifting travel restrictions and opening the country to more visitors. In Myanmar, all visitors must show a passport with a valid visa at all airports, train stations, and hotels. Security checkpoints are common outside of tourist areas. For a 28-day tourist visa, a visitor must apply with a Myanmar embassy or consulate in another country. Multiple entry business visas are also available. As of June 2012, Myanmar now grants visas on arrival for business purposes to the nationals of 27 countries at the Yangon airport. These visas are good for 28-70 days.

1.6.2. – Myanmar has two types of work permit: the Stay Permit and the Multi Re-Entry Permit. A Stay Permit is valid for either three months or one year, but is single entry. A Multi Re-Entry Permit is good for one year and allows for international travel; however, a valid Stay Permit is also required. Currently, the processing time for work permits in Myanmar is three months.