Fighting Poverty in Myanmar

Facts about Myanmar

Much of Myanmar (also known as Burma) history has been dominated by oppressive military rule. The generals who ran the country suppressed almost all dissent and stood accused of gross human rights abuses, prompting international condemnation and sanctions. Most recently, an army operation has driven more than half a million Muslim Rohingyas to flee to neighboring Bangladesh, in what the United Nations called a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”

Nearly three-quarters of adult Burmese remain financially excluded and about one-third of the population lives in poverty. In addition, access to basic services, like energy, water and sanitation, education, health care and agriculture, is often inadequate.

When poor people have access to financial services and life-enhancing products, they can earn more, build their assets, create jobs and cushion themselves against external shocks. FINCA is helping Burmese improve their lives by supporting access to basic services through FINCA Ventures.