Capital: Naypyidaw
Language(s): Burmese
Population: 48,798,000
Total Area: 676,578 km²
Myanmar is one of the most savage military dictatorships still in power, and one of the most closed societies. Its leadership exists largely to enrich itself by whatever means possible.
Most overseas development assistance ceased after the junta began to suppress the democracy movement in 1988 and subsequently refused to honor the results of the 1990 legislative elections. The World Bank has approved no new lending for Myanmar since 1987, and has no plans to resume its program.
Myanmar's new foreign investment law allows overseas firms to fully own ventures and offers tax breaks and lengthy land leases. Under the new law, foreign investors can lease land from the government or from authorized private owners for up to 50 years, depending on the type and size of the investment, and the deal can be extended twice, for 10 years each time.
Sweeping changes and policy reforms are now in place to transform the real estate scenario in Myanmar. As investors rush into the country seeking business opportunities, real estate developments are being fuelled by increasing demand for residential and commercial properties. Dozens of companies are looking for office space and at the same time housing for their expatriate employees.