Myanmar: Myanmar People Profile

The total population in Myanmar was last recorded at 53.3 million people in 2013 from 21.5 million in 1960, changing 148 percent during the last 50 years. Population in Myanmar averaged 38.58 Million from 1960 until 2013, reaching an all time high of 53.26 Million in 2013 and a record low of 21.50 Million in 1960. Population in Myanmar is reported by the World Bank.

Myanmar Population

All population figures of Myanmar/Burma are just rough estimates as the last partial census was conducted in 1983, and no trustworthy nationwide census has occurred since 1931. It's believed there are at least 300,000 refugees from Burma located along the Thai-Burma border, with many camps established in the 1980's. Illegal groups are not recognized as citizens in the country, and they have been relentlessly persecuted. This led to the expulsion of close to 300,000 Burmese Indians.

The country is very ethnically diverse with 135 ethnic groups recognized by the government. There are at least 108 ethnolinguistic groups in Myanmar. The Bamar account for around 68% of the population, followed by the Shan (10%), Kayin (7%), Rakhine (4%) and overseas Chinese (3%). Ethnic minorities in the country prefer to be called ethnic nationalities to fight against the proliferation of the dominant Bamar people. Other ethnic groups include the Mon (2%), Overseas Indians (2%) and the Kachin, Chin, Anglo-Indians, Nepali and Anglo-Burmese.

Myanmar is currently experiencing steady if somewhat low population growth. It's hard to say what the population will be in the future, but one thing is sure: Myanmar is facing an aging population and this problem must be addressed.