Preliminary census results: Event to announce preliminary census results held

The event to announce the preliminary population and household census results for 2024 was held at the Myanmar International Convention Center-2 (MICC-2) in Nay Pyi Taw on December 31st, 2024. The ceremony was attended by the members of State Administration Council, including Daw Dwe Bu, U Mahn Nyein Maung, Dr. Ba Shwe, U Khun San Lwin, U Shwe Kyein, U Yan Kyaw, Chairman of Union Election Commission U Ko Ko, Union Ministers, Deputy Ministers, members of the Central Census Commission, ambassadors from foreign embassies in Myanmar, consul generals, representatives from international organizations, directors from the ministries, immigration officials, staff from the Ministry of Immigration and Population, media representatives, and the invited guests.

The ceremony began with the screening of a video clip about the 2024 census and household registration data.

Following that, the Chairman of the Central Census Commission and Union Minister for Immigration and Population, U Myint Kyaing gave a speech, stating that the census project had been carried out from October 2021, with a planned timeline, step by step. The pre-census preparation activities were carried out over 36 months, including the creation of census maps and data collection grids using GIS technology, development of the CAPI system, application development, testing of the census, recruitment of enumerators, and organizing training for enumerators. The equipment, such as mobile tablets, servers, and computers, were purchased and distributed. Public awareness campaigns were conducted, and all these activities were systematically implemented on schedule, resulting in the successful data collection we see today.

The census was officially marked with a reference time on September 30, 2024, with the data collection taking place from October 1 to October 15. Due to security and transportation issues, the data collection was extended in certain regions. The preliminary results of the 2024 census are now being released as the first stage, intended for use in areas that require quick access. A detailed final report, including a full analysis and the main census data, will be compiled and published before the end of 2025.

During the census, some areas were inaccessible due to security and transportation conditions. In those areas, the population was estimated using census data, remote sensing technology, international expert estimates, and departmental records. Thus, the total population of Myanmar as per the 2024 census is announced to be 51,316,756, including 32,191,407 from the census and 19,125,349 from estimated data. Among them, there are 15,105,215 males and 17,086,192 females, with a gender ratio of 46.9% males and 53.1% females. The most populous region is Yangon with 14.4% of the population, and the least populous region is Kayah State with 0.6%. Changes in population are attributed to birth rates, death rates, and migration.

After the speeches, the event featured a performance of a song titled "We Will Conduct the Census for the Benefit of the Nation" by the Ministry of Immigration and Population and its staff, written by composer Thein Shwe Win. After that, the State Administration Council members, Union Ministers, and officials participated in a group photo.

At the conclusion of the event, the Union Ministers and officials responded to media inquiries about the census operations and next steps. They also announced that detailed information on the preliminary results of the 2024 census is available on the Ministry of Immigration and Population's website at www.dop.gov.mm.