Myanmar
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
7 / 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom
9 / 100
Not Free
Myanmar’s already-stalled democratic transition was derailed in February 2021, when the military seized control of the government. Protesters, journalists, activists, and ordinary people risk criminal charges, detention, and lethal violence for voicing dissent against the military. Millions of people remain displaced or have been newly displaced by violence, including hundreds of thousands of Rohingya, a mostly Muslim ethnic minority
Research & Recommendations
Myanmar
Not Free
7
100
| PR Political Rights | 0 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 7 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
8
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
Military commanders seized control of Myanmar’s government in February 2021, ending a period of power sharing between military and civilian leaders under a 2008 constitution that had been drafted by a previous junta. Since the coup, the military has violently suppressed peaceful civic dissent and battled a sizable armed resistance movement that has widespread popular support and includes militias associated with various ethnic minority groups. The National League for Democracy (NLD), which led the civilian government before the coup and won a sweeping victory in the November 2020 elections, serves as the political backbone of a self-declared National Unity Government (NUG). Armed resistance groups with ties to the NUG exercise partial or effective control over a growing swathe of territory outside major population centers. Millions of people remain displaced or have been newly displaced by the ongoing civil war, with many seeking refuge abroad.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Myanmar
Not Free
9
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 2 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 5 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 2 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
9
100
Not Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
Military commanders seized control of Myanmar’s government in February 2021, ending a period of power sharing between military and civilian leaders under a 2008 constitution that had been drafted by a previous junta. Since the coup, the military has violently suppressed peaceful civic dissent and battled a sizable armed resistance movement that has widespread popular support and includes various armed ethnic minority groups. The National League for Democracy (NLD), which led the civilian government before the coup and won a sweeping victory in the November 2020 elections, serves as the political backbone of a National Unity Government (NUG). Armed ethnic groups and resistance groups with ties to the NUG exercise partial or effective control over a growing swathe of territory. Millions of people remain displaced or have been newly displaced by the ongoing civil war, with many seeking refuge abroad.
Freedom on the Net 2025 Policy Recommendations
Countering Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression online has been and is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, and restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications.
Countering Manipulation of the Online Environment
Governments should encourage a whole-of-society approach to fostering a high-quality, diverse, and trustworthy information space. The Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online identifies best practices for safeguarding the information ecosystem, to which governments should adhere.
Countering Restrictions on Privacy and Disproportionate Government Surveillance
Comprehensive data-protection regulations and industry policies on data protection are essential for upholding privacy and combating disproportionate government surveillance, but they require careful crafting to ensure that they do not contribute to internet fragmentation—the siloing of the global internet into nation-based segments—and cannot be used by governments to undermine privacy and other fundamental freedoms.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
7
/ 100
Not Free
Freedom on the Net Score
9
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 54,180,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Free
Networks Restricted
Yes
Social Media Blocked
Yes
Websites Blocked
Yes
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
November 8, 2020
Type of Election
General
Internet Penetration
34.84%
Election Year
2020
Vulnerability Index
35
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
