# Than Shwe > Burmese senior general and head of state of Myanmar of Myanmar from 1992 to 2011 **Wikidata**: [Q202553](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q202553) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Than_Shwe) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/than-shwe ## Summary Than Shwe was a Burmese senior general who served as head of state of Myanmar from 1992 to 2011. He led the country as the chairman of the State Peace and Development Council during a significant period of military rule. ## Biography - Born: February 2, 1933 - Nationality: Myanmar - Education: M.V. Frunze Military Academy - Known for: Serving as head of state of Myanmar from 1992 to 2011 - Employer(s): State Peace and Development Council, Union Solidarity and Development Association - Field(s): Military, politics ## Contributions Than Shwe served as the chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Myanmar's military government, from 1992 to 2011. During his leadership, he oversaw the relocation of the capital from Yangon to Naypyidaw in 2005. He was instrumental in establishing the Union Solidarity and Development Association, a mass organization in Myanmar, in 1993. He received the Order of Burma, recognizing his service to the country. ## FAQs **What military rank did Than Shwe hold?** Than Shwe held the rank of Senior General in the Myanmar military, the highest rank in the armed forces. **When did Than Shwe serve as head of state of Myanmar?** Than Shwe served as head of state of Myanmar from 1992 to 2011, leading the country as chairman of the State Peace and Development Council. **What educational institution did Than Shwe attend?** Than Shwe was educated at the M.V. Frunze Military Academy, a former military academy of the Russian Armed Forces and Soviet Union. **What organization did Than Shwe establish in 1993?** In 1993, Than Shwe established the Union Solidarity and Development Association, a mass organization in Myanmar that served as a political arm of the military government. **What award did Than Shwe receive?** Than Shwe received the Order of Burma, a recognition of his service to the country. ## Why They Matter Than Shwe's leadership spanned nearly two decades, making him one of the longest-serving rulers in Myanmar's modern history. His tenure as head of state from 1992 to 2011 shaped the country's political landscape during a critical period of transition. He oversaw the significant relocation of the capital from Yangon to Naypyidaw in 2005, a decision that redefined Myanmar's administrative geography. His influence extended through the military establishment and into civilian politics through the Union Solidarity and Development Association, which he established in 1993. His leadership style and policies during this period continue to influence Myanmar's political trajectory. ## Notable For - Serving as head of state of Myanmar for 19 years (1992-2011) - Leading the State Peace and Development Council, Myanmar's military government - Establishing the Union Solidarity and Development Association in 1993 - Overseeing the relocation of Myanmar's capital from Yangon to Naypyidaw in 2005 - Receiving the Order of Burma for his service - Holding the rank of Senior General, the highest in the Myanmar military - Being educated at the M.V. Frunze Military Academy ## Body ### Early Life and Education Than Shwe was born on February 2, 1933. He received his military education at the M.V. Frunze Military Academy, which was the former military academy of the Russian Armed Forces and during the Soviet Union period. This educational background shaped his military career and leadership style. ### Military Career Than Shwe pursued a career in the military, eventually rising to the highest rank of Senior General in the Myanmar armed forces. His military career began in 1953 and spanned several decades, during which he held various positions of increasing responsibility within the military hierarchy. ### Political Leadership In 1992, Than Shwe became the head of state of Myanmar, serving in this capacity until 2011. He led the country as the chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), which was the military government of Myanmar during this period. The SPDC had been established in 1988 following the military coup, and Than Shwe's leadership marked a significant period in Myanmar's modern political history. ### Key Policies and Decisions During his nearly two decades in power, Than Shwe implemented several significant policies and decisions. One of the most notable was the relocation of Myanmar's capital from Yangon to Naypyidaw in 2005. This decision moved the seat of government to a newly constructed inland capital, representing a major shift in the country's administrative geography. ### Political Organizations Than Shwe established the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) in 1993. This mass organization served as a political arm of the military government, mobilizing support and extending the military's influence into civilian spheres. The USDA played a significant role in Myanmar's political landscape during Than Shwe's tenure. ### Recognition and Awards For his service to the country, Than Shwe received the Order of Burma. This award recognized his contributions and leadership during his time as head of state and military leader. ### Titles and Designations Throughout his career, Than Shwe was known by various titles including "Senior General Than Shwe," "U Than Shwe," "General Than Shwe," "Bogyoke Than Shwe," "Bogyokegyi Than Shwe," "Bogyoke Hmu Gyi Than Shwe," and "Agga Maha Thray Sithu Than Shwe." These titles reflected his military rank, social status, and the honors he received during his service. ### Legacy Than Shwe's 19-year tenure as head of state left a lasting impact on Myanmar's political landscape. His leadership style, policies, and decisions continue to influence the country's trajectory. The relocation of the capital to Naypyidaw, the establishment of the USDA, and the overall structure of military governance during his period have shaped Myanmar's modern political identity. ## References 1. [Source](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32009E0615&from=EN) 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 4. Munzinger Personen 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. Quora