Myanmar is preparing for a nationwide population and household census in 2024, targeting an estimated 56 million people and 13 million households. The census will be conducted from 1-15 October 2024, with the reference date being midnight of 30 September. The government plans to deploy around 42,000 auditors and enumerators who will cover 80,000 census units across 110,000 plots nationwide. These enumerators will go door-to-door, asking 68 questions for households and 18 questions for organizations.
The use of modern techniques, including mobile tablets, will help ensure accurate data collection, which will be transmitted directly to the head office. This efficiency aims to provide timely and reliable data for the pilot population of Myanmar. The census data will play a crucial role in compiling accurate voter lists for upcoming general elections, highlighting its importance in the democratic process.
The census-taken process is a must to compile the data on the correct and accurate population and socioeconomic conditions of the nation to be able to emerge a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system and to build a Union based on democracy and federalism. As such, all the people have to actively participate in the census enumeration as a national duty to contribute to the restoration of peace and stability and development of the State.
Public participation is key to the success of the census. Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with enumerators by providing accurate responses, as this will directly impact the quality of the data collected. The government emphasizes the need for public awareness to ensure the successful implementation of the census and the subsequent voter list compilation.
The census-taking process involves several stages: preparation, enumeration, data compilation and analysis, and report release. As the census date approaches, relevant officials and staff are working to ensure smooth and accurate data collection. This preparation is vital for the success of the census, which will inform key decisions and policies for the country’s future.
Historically, national censuses in Myanmar were conducted every ten years between 1891 and 1941 under British rule. After a hiatus, censuses resumed in 1973 and then continued in 1983. The 2024 census marks a continuation of this important practice, with the pilot report expected in December 2024. Detailed analyses and reports for Nay Pyi Taw, regions, and states will be released in 2025. This census represents a significant opportunity for Myanmar to update its demographic data, which will be essential for effective governance and development planning.
The census-taken process is a must to compile the data on the correct and accurate population and socioeconomic conditions of the nation to be able to emerge a genuine, disciplined multiparty democratic system and to build a Union based on democracy and federalism. As such, all the people have to actively participate in the census enumeration as a national duty to contribute to the restoration of peace and stability and development of the State.
