Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation known for its diverse culture, rich Buddhist heritage, and natural landscapes, but its post-independence history is marked by ethnic conflict, periods of military rule, and human rights abuses, most recently by the 2021 coup. Its geography includes mountainous regions, lush forests, and river valleys, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. The 2021 military coup has led to significant economic decline, instability, and a humanitarian crisis, disrupting the country's development and human capital.