Patron of the Census Commission, Vice Chairman of the State Administration Council, Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win delivered a speech at the ceremony to mark the World Population Day 2025 at Mingala Thiri Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning.

At the ceremony, the Vice-Senior General said that the United Nations designated 11 July 1987—the year the world population reached five billion – as World Population Day. The day aims to raise awareness about global population issues and their impacts on society, development, and the environment. Member countries have since observed World Population Day annually. In the case of Myanmar, the country has been commemorating this day since 1990, making this year the 36th anniversary of its observance.

According to the 2014 census, the population of Myanmar was over 51.4 million, and it was estimated that by 2024, the population would reach around 56.2 million. However, based on the preliminary figures from the 2024 census, it has been found that the current population is only just over 51.3 million.

Although population growth was expected based on previous growth rates, data from the 2024 census shows there has been no population increase over the past 10 years. Therefore, it is necessary to closely examine the factors that directly affect population growth, such as birth rates, death rates, and migration rates.

According to the 1983 census in Myanmar, the average number of children born to a woman was 4.7. However, by the 2014 census, this figure had dropped to around 2.3 children, and according to the 2019 interim census, it had further declined to below 2.1 children, the level required to replace both parents. This shows that the country’s birth rate has been steadily declining, and it is likely to decrease even further. If the average number of children born to a woman falls below 2, the country’s population will gradually and noticeably begin to decline.

In Myanmar, the severe COVID-19 pandemic that occurred around 2020, along with the outbreaks of violence following 2021 and various natural disasters, had significant impacts on birth and death rates. Additionally, employment opportunities declined, and a large number of young people increasingly migrated abroad.

In developing countries, as the elderly population increases, better job opportunities and growing labour market demands have led to increased labour migration. Therefore, in Myanmar as well, alongside a declining population, it is important to carefully manage migration to prevent the loss of human resources and to ensure that the country’s productive capacity remains unaffected.

According to projections by population experts, in the not-too-distant future, the number of elderly people aged 65 and above in developing countries, including Myanmar, will surpass the number of children. At that time, it will be necessary to create opportunities for lifelong learning and retraining, as well as to develop a workforce capable of working across various age groups. Therefore, relevant ministries should begin preparing long-term plans now to create job opportunities in the private sector for older individuals who are still willing and able to work.

To study and analyze the population changes in the country and to obtain demographic and socioeconomic data, the State Administration Council has made necessary arrangements to conduct the Population and Housing Census without fail.

The Population and Housing Census was successfully conducted in October 2024. The data collected from the census provides a snapshot of the current situation of national development and will support accurate policy-making, strategic planning, and programme design.

Moreover, this information is essential for resource allocation, budget distribution, and for building necessary infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities, roads, and bridges. It is also crucial for providing care services for the disabled and elderly, creating employment opportunities, and implementing other vital management activities.

The population data obtained from the 2024 census will also play a key role in ensuring the accuracy of voter lists, which is essential for successfully conducting a free and fair general election and for protecting the rights of all eligible voters.

The data from the 2024 census will be extremely useful for the rescue and recovery efforts in the towns affected by the recent major earthquake in Mandalay.

It is necessary to encourage policymakers, planners, and data users to make effective use of the census data—successfully collected through significant financial and human resources despite many challenges—for national development and the improvement of the social well-being of the people.

Union Minister U Myint Kyaing clarified the motto “From Data to Development: Using Census for Socioeconomic Advancement”. And, an animation clip on the 2025 World Population Day was screened.

The Vice-Senior General viewed the display of booths to mark the 2025 World Population Day and books and publications.

Also, present at the ceremony were SAC members, Union ministers, the Nay Pyi Taw Council Chairman, deputy ministers, departmental heads, Ambassadors and diplomats from embassies based in Myanmar, officials from the ceremony organizing central committee and subcommittees, ministries and associations, as well as guests.

MNA/TTA

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