Interactive timeline: Myanmar

This timeline shows key events in Myanmar’s history since 1940. After 50 years of military rule, Myanmar is undergoing radical change, with the government of President Thein Sein launching a series of bold economic and political reforms.

A recent by-election delivered a sweeping victory to Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, which won 43 of 45 contested seats. Widespread international praise for the relatively fair conduct of the poll prompted western nations – including Norway, Canada, Australia and the European Union – to ease sanctions, paving the way for much-needed investment in the country.

Myanmar was known as the Union of Burma until 1989 when the governing SLORC renamed it the Union of Myanmar. In 2010 it was renamed the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the national anthem and flag were changed. The FT changed its style from Burma to Myanmar in early 2012.