Myanmar, once called Burma, has been one of the foremost isolated countries in the world. However, since March 2011, when Myanmar’s first civilian government in decades took office, it’s been moving towards democracy, if only 1 small step at a time.

After decades of authoritarian rule suppressing basic human rights, Myanmar’s military has decided to step down from power. Most generals have realized that the country has, economically, fallen behind its neighbors. They need to decide to open themselves to the western world and end the economic sanctions that are in situ a few times.

Many voters in Myanmar, however, are skeptical. They think that when the country has been accepted by the west the political tide will turn against them.

In the last 5 decades, Myanmar has developed into one of the foremost backward countries in Asia. Its people are among the poorest. Schools don’t have enough teachers and a few universities are closed due to possible student unrest. Buildings have to be repaired, and most of the infrastructure is old-fashioned and goes back to British colonial rule. Many Burmese fled the country and reside in exile elsewhere.

All over the country, the signs of democracy have been observed which is praiseworthy. Many political prisoners are let out. Myanmar’s media has received more freedom, although it’s still controlled by the govt.

The government is allowing trade unions to create. Environmental and human rights organizations have sprung up everywhere in the country. People aren’t frightened of the military any longer. they really believe in democratic reforms and their life is getting ready to change for the higher.

The military leaders have released Myanmar’s most prominent opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, from confinement after 15 years. She may be a very talked-about figure within the country, mainly because her father was one of the founders of the Burmese army and was killed shortly before the country got its independence from Great Britain in 1948.

She won the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against military leaders in 1991. The opposition leader hopes that the military will help her change the face of Burma.

Of the various problems that face the new government in Burma, two stand out. For over 15 years Myanmar’s leaders are looking to China for help, especially after economic sanctions had been placed on them. Chinese businessmen and firms have invested heavily in Myanmar. and also the Chinese have also supplied the clique with weapons. reciprocally the Chinese were allowed to create a significant pipeline through Myanmar, which transports oil and gas back to Central China.

Myanmar has strained its relationship with China, especially after a contract for a hydroelectric power plant near the China-Burmese border had been signed. Critics say that almost all of the electricity will head to China while Burma itself will profit only a little. On the opposite side, China has warned Myanmar to not open up an excessive amount of western influence.

Another problem that the government faces is that the conflict with its ethnic minorities, which form up a 3rd of the population. Political experts claim that peace and stability will come to the Southeast Asian nation given that it can settle the disputes with its minorities.

Even though there are signs of Myanmar’s new direction toward democracy, many things must be done before the west is willing to speculate large amounts of cash within the country. Portable connections lag behind, the net is extremely slow and the banking industry is out-of-date.

Railroads, airports and roads desperately need overhauling. But western countries, nevertheless, are keeping an eye fixed on Myanmar. it’s oil and gas reserves, likewise as timber and valuable metals. With a population of 60 million, it’s one of the large markets in Asia.