History of Myanmar

This is the history of Myanmar or Burma. See also the history of Southeast Asia, history of Asia, and history of present-day nations and states.

Burma gained its independence from the United Kingdom on January 4, 1948.

Ne Win was the dictatorial ruler of Burma from 1962 until 1988.

Despite multiparty elections in 1990 that resulted in the main opposition party winning a decisive victory, the military junta ruling the country refused to hand over power. Key opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest from 1989 to 1995, continues to have her activities restricted; her supporters are routinely harassed or jailed.