Country Briefs

Australia has had diplomatic relations with Myanmar since 1952. Myanmar has been in a protracted and multifaceted crisis since February 2021, when the military overthrew a democratically elected government and jailed its leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi. Opponents of the military regime remain detained. The ongoing conflict plunged the country into a political, economic and humanitarian crisis and has displaced millions.

Australia and Bulgaria established diplomatic relations in 1972. Australia and Bulgaria share warm people-to-people ties and are like-minded on a range of international issues in multilateral fora. The Bulgarian community in Australia is the largest Bulgarian diaspora in the Indo-Pacific. As of the 2021 Australian census, there were 3,718 people born in Bulgaria in Australia and 8,039 Australian residents of Bulgarian descent.

Australia has maintained a diplomatic presence in Brunei since it gained its full independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. However, our historical links stretch back to the Second World War when, in 1945, Australian forces landed at Muara Beach as part of the Allied campaign to liberate Borneo. Australia and Brunei have erected a permanent memorial at Muara Beach to mark the 1945 landings.

Australia and Brazil cooperate on a range of issues of mutual interest. People-to-people links are growing rapidly, with Brazilians now forming the largest migrant group from Latin America resident in Australia.

Australia recognised Bosnia and Herzegovina in May 1992 and engage productively in international organisations on matters of mutual interest.

Australia and Bolivia established diplomatic relations in 1975.

Australia and Bhutan enjoy warm and friendly ties built on education and people‑to‑people links. 

Australia and Belgium have a close relationship grounded in shared values, international cooperation, particularly in multilateral fora, and growing trade and investment ties.

The Australian Government has limited all bilateral cooperation with Belarus due to its support for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Australia only engages bilaterally with Belarus when it is critical to delivering on our national interests.

Bangladesh is a low-lying, mainly riverine country on the Bay of Bengal. It covers an area of 147,000 square kilometres (about two-thirds the size of Victoria). Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority nation with a democratic, parliamentary system of government and a population of approximately 175 million people.