The 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census (2014 MPHC) was conducted from 29th March to 10th April 2014 on a de facto basis. The successful planning and implementation of the census activities, followed by the timely release of the provisional results in August 2014 and now the main results in May 2015, is a clear testimony of the Government’s resolve to publish all information collected from respondents in accordance with the Population and Housing Census Law No. 19 of 2013. It is my hope that the main census results will be interpreted correctly and will effectively inform the planning and decision-making processes in our quest for national development.
The census structures put in place, including the Central Census Commission, Census Committees and Offices at all administrative levels and the International Technical Advisory Board (ITAB), a group of 15 experts from different countries and institutions involved in censuses and statistics internationally, provided the requisite administrative and technical inputs for the implementation of the census. The technical support from UNFPA and our strong desire to follow international standards affirmed our commitment to strict adherence to the United Nations guidelines and recommendations, which form part of international best practices for census taking.
This Main Census Report - Union (Census Report Volume 2) - is the second in a series of publications to be released from the 2014 MPHC. It contains detailed information on demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population and households at the Union and State/Region level. The initial analysis indicates that the 2014 MPHC data are complete and accurate. However, census enumeration did not cover some population groups in the northern parts of Rakhine State and in a few areas in Kachin State.
In parts of Hpa Pun Township in Kayin State, only the total number of households and population by sex were submitted to the Census Office. The Government, with support from UNFPA, minimised the impact of these situations as much as possible and estimated the population missed in these areas. The estimates and the methodology used for estimation of the population not counted in these areas are provided in section 1.3 of this report.
As the Census is a massive statistical operation and an important national exercise, the Government ensured that its implementation incorporated the participation of all stakeholders, either directly or indirectly, through various census committees, continuous consultations and sensitisation workshops, as well as through the dissemination of information through print and electronic media. An effective communication campaign was mounted to create public awareness and mobilise national support for the Census.