Myanmar population is shrinking, according the the latest census conducted in October 2024. Even though 30% of the country has been surveyed in details, amidst constant threats of terrorist attacks on census personnel, the published figures provided a guide to extrapolate the direction of the population growth.
The total population of Myanmar as per the 2024 census is announced to be 51.3 million including 32.2 from the census and 19.1 from estimated data. A gender ratio of 46.9% males and 53.1% females were recorded.
The most populous region is Yangon with 14.4% of the population, and the least populous region being the Kayah State with 0.6%. Based on historical census data, Myanmar population was only 7.7 million in 1891, 10.5 million in 1901, 28.9 million in 1973, 35.3 million in 1983 and 51.5 million in 2014. The government attributed the population decline are due to birth rates, death rates, and migration.
However, if you do take into consideration of Myanmar diaspora overseas, the population among people of Myanmar origin might have increased. Considering Thailand alone, the diaspora is estimated to be between 5 and 10 million.
