Myanmar census reveals challenges amid civil war and political strife

Myanmar’s military government has released the results of a national census conducted under difficult conditions, reporting a population of 51.3 million, local news reports said on Tuesday.

The census, carried out amid an ongoing civil war, faced significant security and logistical challenges, with data collection completed in only 145 of the country’s 330 townships, the reports added.

The census was not conducted in 58 townships and partially completed in 127 others, primarily in conflict zones controlled by armed groups. The data collection period was extended in some areas until December due to security and transportation issues.

The military, which seized power in February 2021, has faced widespread resistance, transforming the country into a warzone with over 3 million displaced people, according to the UN. Critics argue the census is being used to prepare voter lists for a planned election, seen as an effort to legitimize the military’s rule.

While the government claims the census supports reconciliation and development, opposition groups have called for non-cooperation and even attacked census-takers, highlighting deep mistrust and ongoing turmoil across Myanmar.