According to census and population data released by the military council on 31 December, over 4.5 million people in Sagaing Region were not included in the census count.
Out of an estimated total population of over 6 million in Sagaing Region, data released by the military council shows that they were only able to count around 2 million people.
The census was primarily conducted in urban areas, with no data collection possible in Tigyaing, Indaw, Kawlin, Pinlebu, Myaung, Kani, Pale, Tabayin, Taze, Khin-U, and Wetlet Townships.
Among the townships where counting was not possible, Pinlebu Township is currently controlled by the National Unity Government (NUG), while resistance forces maintain control over most territories in the remaining townships.
“When they were collecting the census, they only worked in urban areas. They didn’t even ask about collecting data in villages. They just used mobile tablets to collect data. As far as we know, the results haven’t come out yet,” said a village administrator from Homalin Township.
The military junta claims that according to preliminary data of their 2024 population and housing census, intended for election purposes, Myanmar’s total population is over 51 million.
In terms of population distribution, Yangon Region accounts for 14.4%, Shan State 12.7%, and Mandalay Region 12.2%, with these three regions/stats accounting for approximately 39.3% of the country’s total population.
Sent by Shanni Voice.