Population of Myanmar

Myanmar has an estimated 2026 population of 55,237,628, ranking as the 27th most populous nation in the world. The country maintains a moderate annual growth rate of approximately 0.67%, reflecting a balance between steady fertility rates and significant outward migration. Recent data indicates a population density of 84.6 people per km² (219.1 people per sq mi), with the vast majority of the population residing in rural areas. While official 2024 figures recorded 54,500,091 people, current projections show continued expansion despite ongoing regional instability and displacement.

The demographic history of Myanmar is deeply tied to its colonial past and subsequent internal conflicts. Following independence from British rule in 1948, the nation experienced a period of relatively rapid growth, despite political shifts. The implementation of the Burmese Way to Socialism in the early 1960s isolated the country, yet the population continued to expand as agricultural communities remained the backbone of the economy. By the late 20th century, Myanmar had established itself as one of the larger demographic entities in mainland Southeast Asia. In recent decades, historical events such as the 1988 uprising and the political reforms beginning around 2011 have influenced population movements. However, the 2021 military coup and subsequent civil unrest have significantly impacted demographic stability, leading to increased internal displacement and refugee flows across borders to neighbors like Thailand and India. These socio-political factors, combined with historical health challenges, have historically kept life expectancy lower than many of its regional peers, currently placed 175th globally at 67.1 years.

Myanmar currently experiences a growth rate of 0.67%, a figure that has decelerated over the last several decades as the country transitions toward a more modern demographic profile. The fertility rate stands at 2.1 births per woman, which is precisely at the replacement level. This reflects a shift from the higher fertility seen in the mid-20th century toward smaller family sizes, driven by increasing access to healthcare and changing economic expectations in both urban and rural settings. Future projections suggest that while the population will continue to rise in the near term, the pace of growth will likely remain constrained by high rates of outward migration. Many young citizens seek employment opportunities in neighboring Southeast Asian economies, which impacts the local workforce and age structure. If current trends in fertility and migration persist, the population is expected to stabilize further, though the ongoing internal crisis remains a critical variable in determining long-term demographic health and settlement patterns.

The estimated 2026 population density is 84.6 people per km² (219.1 people per sq mi), which is relatively low for South-Eastern Asia, reflecting a vast landscape with significant rural concentration.

With an urban population of only 30.4%, Myanmar remains one of the least urbanized nations in the world, as the majority of its citizens live in agricultural villages and small towns.

In the global landscape, Myanmar holds the 27th position by population, placing it among the world's most significant mid-sized nations. Within Asia, it is the 12th largest of 49 countries, while on a subregional level, it ranks 5th out of 11 countries in South-Eastern Asia. This puts it behind larger neighbors like Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, but significantly ahead of Cambodia and Laos in terms of total population. When comparing density, Myanmar is relatively sparse with 84.6 people per km² (219.1 people per sq mi), ranking 118th globally. This is much lower than the extreme densities found in neighboring Bangladesh or India. Furthermore, its urbanization rate of 30.4% is one of the lowest in the world, ranking 193rd globally. This highlights Myanmar's unique position as a country that is demographically substantial yet remains predominantly agrarian compared to the highly urbanized landscapes of Thailand or Malaysia.