Happy World
Communications in Burma is problematic. The telephones (landlines) often don't work, and we saw no mobile phones. The government severely restricts the use of the internet and video cameras. Television arrived in Burma in 1981.
Every year since the military seized power in 1962, Burma's economy has declined. Burma was once known as the rice bowl of Asia, but is now one of the poorest countries in the world.
As noted by the U.S. State Department: "The regime's mismanagement of the economy has created a downward economic spiral. The state remains heavily involved in most parts of the economy, infrastructure has deteriorated, and no rule of law exists. The majority of Burmese citizens subsist on an average annual income of less than $200 per capita. Inflation, caused primarily by public sector deficit spending and the eroding value of the local currency (the kyat), have reduced living standards. The Asian Development Bank estimated in December 2006 that inflation in Burma could reach 30% in 2006-2007, in contrast with official estimates of 10%. "
Happy World
Communications in Burma is problematic. The telephones (landlines) often don't work, and we saw no mobile phones. The government severely restricts the use of the internet and video cameras. Television arrived in Burma in 1981.
Every year since the military seized power in 1962, Burma's economy has declined. Burma was once known as the rice bowl of Asia, but is now one of the poorest countries in the world.
As noted by the U.S. State Department: "The regime's mismanagement of the economy has created a downward economic spiral. The state remains heavily involved in most parts of the economy, infrastructure has deteriorated, and no rule of law exists. The majority of Burmese citizens subsist on an average annual income of less than $200 per capita. Inflation, caused primarily by public sector deficit spending and the eroding value of the local currency (the kyat), have reduced living standards. The Asian Development Bank estimated in December 2006 that inflation in Burma could reach 30% in 2006-2007, in contrast with official estimates of 10%. "