Yangon Region
Myanmar's commercial capital under martial law with -3% GDP growth forecast for 2025 amid ongoing post-coup crisis.
Yangon Region is Myanmar's economic nucleus—home to the former capital and largest city, which concentrates commercial activity, foreign investment, and industrial capacity. Despite losing capital status to Naypyidaw in 2006, Yangon remains the country's primary economic engine and international gateway.
The 2021 military coup devastated the commercial economy. Protests, strikes, and international sanctions disrupted business operations. By 2025, martial law covers seven Yangon townships; the military regime controls the city but faces continued resistance. GDP contracted sharply, with only 1% growth projected for fiscal 2025.
Yangon's economy historically combined manufacturing, trade, and services. The Thilawa Special Economic Zone attracted foreign investment before the coup. Port facilities handled most maritime trade. Finance, retail, and tourism concentrated in the urban core. All these sectors now operate under severe constraints—electricity shortages, labor disruptions, import restrictions, and capital flight.
The biological pattern is traumatic system collapse: Yangon's economic metabolism shut down following political seizure, with uncertain recovery trajectory as civil conflict continues across the country.