Myanmar’s Multidimensional Poverty Deepens Amid Conflict, Climate and Economic Shocks

UNDP’s latest report shows that more than 37 million people in Myanmar – roughly two‑thirds of the 55 million‑strong population – are living in multidimensional poverty. Deficits in health and living standards account for over 80 percent of this deprivation, reflecting chronic gaps in healthcare, adequate housing, clean water and sanitation. The situation is especially severe in Rakhine state, where over two‑thirds of residents are multidimensionally poor and nearly a third are classified as severely poor. Across the country, almost half of households that rely on casual labour also fall into multidimensional poverty, indicating the erosion of traditional safety nets.

Roughly one in five households now face climate‑related risks such as floods, cyclones, droughts or landslides, and by the end of August about 600 000 people had been affected by flooding. The coming El Niño pattern is expected to intensify these hazards, stretching already fragile coping mechanisms. At the same time, external economic shocks—including rising fuel prices linked to the Gulf crisis, inflation and higher food costs—are eroding purchasing power, especially for families dependent on informal work. The convergence of environmental and market pressures deepens the poverty spiral for millions across the nation.

UNDP estimates that at least one million young people have left Myanmar since the military takeover in February 2021, representing one of the largest losses of human capital in recent history and occurring as the overall population ages. The outflow reduces the pool of workers able to sustain local economies and limits prospects for education and stable employment. Households that depend on casual labour—already among the poorest—continue to experience the highest rates of multidimensional poverty. UNDP stresses that without urgent investment in livelihoods, health services, education and local markets, the country’s capacity to recover will remain severely constrained.