The Union of Myanmar is located northwest of the Indochina region. The country is bordered in the north and northeast by China, in the east and southeast by The Lao PDR and Thailand, in the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, and in the west by Bangladesh and India. Myanmar is endowed with striking and unusual forests. Plains alongside major rivers and plateaus running parallel to each other contain unique ecosystems supporting numerous organisms. The interaction between the varying climate and geo-physical components of the land accounts for Myanmar’s rich biodiversity – a vital resource for the sustainable development of the nation.

There are about 11,800 species of vascular plants of gymnosperms and angiosperms. Mammal species are estimated at 251, while 1,056 bird species exist. There are 272 species of reptiles and 82 species of amphibians. In terms of marine species, there are 310 freshwater species and 465 marine water species. Recorded medicinal plant species is 841. There are 96 bamboo species and 37 species of rattan. A total of 43 protected areas have already been established, 34 of which represent mountain biodiversity.