Education Spending: Myanmar

Analysis# Myanmar Education Spending Myanmar allocated 2% of GDP to education in 2019, representing a substantial decline from its historical peak of 3.274% in 1973. The country's education investment has fallen 30.2% over the nearly five-decade period since 1972. This downward trajectory reflects decades of underinvestment, with spending bottoming out at just 0.787% of GDP in 2011—less than one-quarter of the 1973 level. A notable recovery emerged after 2011, with spending climbing to 2.167% by 2017 before stabilizing around 2% in recent years. This modest rebound suggests a policy shift toward prioritizing education, though current levels remain far below historical standards. Myanmar's education spending trajectory indicates a system recovering from prolonged neglect, though sustained increases will be necessary to approach levels adequate for comprehensive human capital development.