Over the past decade a number of developments have had major effects on Myanmar and in turn shaped the humanitarian and development landscape. These include: Cyclone Nargis, which devastated large areas of the Ayeyarwady Delta in 2008 and killed 138,000 people; the political reform process begun in early 2011; ethnic conflicts including that in Kachin State; and the inter-communal violence that flared up in Rakhine State in June 2012. With Myanmar being large, resource- rich and strategically located as well as having a population that is poor and heavily exposed to climate change, the former isolation has given way to an influx of development actors and businesses alike. While efforts to reduce poverty and strengthen resilience are needed, working in a rapidly changing environment is not without challenges - understanding the country’s background, issues, actors and practical aspects is vital.