Myanmar

Myanmar faces the worst humanitarian crisis in its recent history. Conflict and extreme weather events have pushed over 15 million people into critical levels of hunger.

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Hunger Stats

Since the military takeover in February 2021, people in Myanmar have faced relentless economic and political crises. The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake only worsens an already dire situation. WFP has reached over 180,000 earthquake survivors with ready-to-eat food and is scaling up its emergency response to reach more affected communities.

12.4M

people are experiencing extreme hunger.

3.5M

people are displaced by conflict

1/3

children under the age of 5 experiences stunting

Myanmar Facts

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Population: 54.9 million people.

Background: Myanmar became independent in 1948. The country has experienced long periods of military rule and internal conflict since independence, with a brief transition toward civilian democratic governance beginning in the 2010s. However, a military coup in 2021 ended this period of civilian rule and returned the country to direct military control.

Geography & Climate: Myanmar is a large country in Southeast Asia, with a long coastline along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The country has a predominantly tropical monsoon climate, with distinct hot, rainy and cool seasons that vary by region.

Economy: Myanmar’s economy is largely agricultural, with farming and related activities employing a significant share of the population and contributing substantially to national output and export earnings. Despite fertile land and favorable growing conditions, domestic food production faces persistent challenges, including conflict‑related disruptions, climate shocks such as floods and droughts, limited access to inputs and markets, and damaged infrastructure following the 2021 military takeover. While Myanmar produces and exports key staples such as rice, ongoing instability and rising costs have constrained productivity and access, leaving many households vulnerable to food insecurity and increasingly reliant on markets to meet their food needs.

Conflict

A total of 3.5 million people have been displaced from their homes across Myanmar, including over 3 million since the military takeover in early 2021. Most displaced people have no access to food and rely on humanitarian assistance.

Extreme Weather

Myanmar is one of the countries most at risk of cyclones, floods and landslides due to its geographic location. The country was recently hit by several floods in 2024, including those caused by Super Typhoon Yagi, that affected at least 1 million people.

Rising Prices

Since the military takeover in February 2021, food prices have soared to more than four times their previous levels. In just the past year, the cost of a basic food basket – including rice, oil, beans and salt – has increased by 50%. Access to nutritious food is beyond the reach of many, and adults are skipping meals so that children can eat.

WFP’s Response in Myanmar

WFP implemented its first operation in Myanmar in 1978 in the northern Rakhine State and established its office in 1994. Today, WFP provides crisis-affected communities with food, cash and nutrition support.

Food

WFP provides lifesaving food to people displaced and/or affected by ongoing crises in conflict zones. WFP also provides regular support for extremely food insecure people in Kachin, Shan, Chin and Rakhine states who have been displaced since before the military takeover.

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Maina KBC is one of the largest IDP camps in Kachin State. As the resumed armed conflict in Kachin marks a decade in 2021, relief assistance from WFP remains a lifeline for IDPs from Maina KBC and other camps across the state.

Affected by conflict, Kachin State has a large poverty gap and high prevalence of stunting in children under five.

Nutrition

WFP provides nutrition support to pregnant and breastfeeding women, children aged 6 months to 5 years old, and people living with HIV and TB. This includes malnutrition prevention and treatment services, nutrition education, cash assistance and counseling to caregivers.

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School Meals

Where it is safe and feasible, WFP continues to provide children with school meals. Students receive fortified biscuit snacks, warm cooked meals or take-home rations. WFP works with communities, parent groups and religious institutions to provide these meals to students.

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