Administrative Geography of Myanmar

In 2008 Myanmar created and ratified their third constitution, within which is defined the structure of the Myanmar state. The administrative geography of this structure is summarised below.

Regions, states and union territory

The Union is delineated and constituted by seven Regions, seven States and the Union territories. Together they are organized as the Republic, giving Myanmar its official name of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.

Nay Pyi Taw is the capital of the Union. It is prescribed a Union territory and is under the direct administration of the President. If the need arises other areas can be prescribed Union territories.

Sub-regions and sub-states

Although not mentioned in the constitution, one region (Bago) and one state (Shan) are further divided into two sub-regions and three sub-states respectively.

Self-administered divisions and zones

There are five self-administered zones (Danu, Kokang, Naga, Pa’O, Palaung) and one self-administered division (Wa). They have a constitutional status similar to that of a region or state.

Cities

Mandalay and Yangon are the only two cities in Myanmar.

Districts, townships, towns, wards, village tracts and villages

The The Myanmar Information Management Unit (MIMU) provides an online mapping platform which allows users to explore Myanmar’s administrative and non-administrative geographies.

City Population provide an interactive district and township map. MIMU provides a clickable map on its home page to township maps along with a townships profiles dashboard.

Prior to the 2014 population and housing census, the Department of Population began preparing census enumeration area maps. Maps were drawn for townships, towns, wards, village tracts and villages. Examples are shown below.

Township