The Economy of Burma (Myanmar) is an emerging economy with an estimated nominal GDP of $51.93 billion and a purchasing power adjusted GDP of $83.74 billion. Real growth rate is estimated at 5.5% for the 2011 fiscal year.
Historically, Burma was the main trade route between India and China since 100 BC. The Mon Kingdom of lower Burma served as important trading center in the Bay of Bengal. After Burma was conquered by British, it became the wealthiest country in Southeast Asia. It was also once the world's largest exporter of rice. It produced 75% of the world's teak and had a highly literate population.[7]