Mapping Myanmar’s Future with Census Activity

I had already heard about the upcoming census a few months ago, so it wasn’t surprising. However, my son and daughter found it quite unusual. They had never personally experienced a census before. Because the term “census” in Myanmar translates to “Than Gaung”, which implies midnight, they assumed the census officials would come in the evening, knocking on the door to collect data. I had to explain to them that this wasn’t the case.

A day before the census collection, some responsible officials came to distribute a booklet to every household, informing us about the types of questions that would be asked on census day. I refer to it as a booklet because it wasn’t just a single page but several – around twenty pages  bound together like a small booklet. After receiving it, I took the time to read through it. I won’t go into detail about the individual pages, but I will outline the main sections.

The booklet contained nine sections:

1. Population information

2. Internal migration

3. Educational background

4. Workforce participation

5. Birth data

6. Disability information

7. International migration

8. Housing data

9. Deaths and maternal mortality

The booklet contained 18 pages in total, and I noticed that the questions were quite numerous. From my estimation, it could take at least 45 minutes to an hour to complete all the questions and fill in the forms for a single household. The officials informed us that they would come back the next day to conduct the census and left after that.

The following day, 4 October, I started expecting the census visitors as early as 8 am. However, no one arrived in the morning. It wasn’t until the afternoon that I saw a bit of activity. Around 3 pm, census officials appeared around our neighbourhood. At that point, we also heard some additional news – some high-ranking officials would visit a few houses on our street and take photos and video footage as part of the process. However, in the end, no high-ranking officials came.

I continued waiting, and at around 10 minutes to 6 pm, a group of six people, including one young woman and five men, arrived at my gate. The men were older, while the young woman appeared to be about 20 years old. She explained that they had come to conduct the census. I invited them into the living room where I had prepared seats and a table, but the young woman declined, saying she would just ask the questions from the doorway.

The young woman held a seven-inch tablet in her hand and began asking the questions. I had my household registration and identity cards ready and answered her questions. The questions were the same ones I had studied in the booklet the day before, but not all of them were asked. It seemed like she was only asking for the essential information. As far as I can recall, the questions included my name and age, my children’s names and ages, their educational qualifications, how many rooms we had in the house, what type of water we used for drinking, and whether we had any family members living abroad. There were far fewer questions than I had expected, but I assumed they only asked what was necessary. One thing that stood out was that the young woman’s tablet seemed to have some kind of software installed, as she typed in my responses and tapped on her tablet six or seven times for each question.

The entire process took only about 10 minutes, and the census collection was complete. One of the men who had accompanied her placed a sticker on the door before they left. After they left, my son and daughter came over and asked a lot of questions, each sharing their thoughts about the experience, as this was something they had never encountered before. I then explained the whole process to them as best as I could to help them understand what had just happened.

Census-taking is a vital practice carried out to understand the demographic composition of a country. In Myanmar, this activity is especially significant, as it helps to track population changes, monitor social development, and provide accurate data for resource distribution. Recently, census officers visited my home to collect important information as part of the nationwide effort. This visit, like many others across the country, is a small but critical step in the larger goal of obtaining a comprehensive snapshot of the population. The data collected during these visits holds great significance for the future of Myanmar, ensuring that accurate statistics guide national decision-making and planning.

Census collection in Myanmar has a long history, dating back to the British colonial period when the first official census was con- ducted in 1872. Over the years, the practice has evolved, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the country. While the early censuses were primarily aimed at understanding the economic productivity and administrative divisions under colonial rule, today’s census serves much broader purposes. Modern censuses in Myanmar are now conducted with international standards, focusing on aspects such as gender equality, ethnic diversity, and social well-being. This historical progression underscores how far Myanmar has come in utilizing census data to reflect the realities of its population.

During the census, officers collect various types of data that go far beyond simple headcounts. Information such as age, gender, marital status, education level,

occupation, and even household facilities are documented. Each of these data points plays a crucial role in forming a complete picture of the nation’s demographic composition. For example, knowing the number of school-age children can help the government plan for future educational needs, while understanding employment statistics can guide economic development strategies. The accuracy and reliability of this data are essential because they inform the government on issues such as infrastructure development, healthcare provisions, and social welfare programmes.

The data collected through the census has a direct influence on government policies and resource allocation. Once processed, the results help identify where investments in public services are needed most. For example, regions with high population densities may require additional schools, hospitals, or roads, while areas with ageing populations might benefit from more healthcare facilities. Furthermore, census data is critical in addressing social inequalities. By analyzing the information, the government can pinpoint areas where minority communities or underprivileged groups may be underrepresented and implement targeted policies to address these disparities. Ultimately, the census ensures that resources are distributed fairly and effectively, allowing Myanmar to build a more equitable and prosperous future for all its citizens.

The current census collection across Myanmar provides a rare opportunity to engage with the country’s changing demographic landscape. For many, like my children, this is their first encounter with the process. It highlights the generational gap in understanding how such vital information is collected and its broader purpose. The way people interact with census officials, and the expectations they hold, show a mix of curiosity and unfamiliarity, reminding us how important it is to raise public awareness about such activities. This unfamiliarity emphasizes the need for continuous public education on the importance of data collection, transparency, and how it directly benefits their community.

The method of data collection, using technology like tablets, also shows the significant progress Myanmar has made in modernizing its census practices. Moving away from paper forms and embracing digital tools not only speeds up the process but also increases the accuracy of the information collected. While the shift to digital tools was noticeable, it also sparked conversations about privacy and data security

among those unfamiliar with such technology. This balance between modern methods and public trust remains a key issue that needs to be addressed in future census activities.

The experience of participating in a census raises broader questions about national development and the role each citizen plays in shaping the country’s future. Every household, regardless of size or status, contributes to the overall understanding of Myanmar’s social and economic standing. From collecting basic demographic details to more intricate data like international migration and household amenities, the census serves as a mirror reflecting the nation’s progress. It also opens a dialogue about where improvements are needed and how collective data can lead to more effective governance and equitable resource distribution.

As Myanmar continues its nationwide census activities, the importance of such efforts cannot be overstated. The data collected will not only inform immediate governmental decisions but will also shape long-term strategies for sustainable development. By ensuring that all voices are counted, the census provides a critical foundation for addressing the diverse needs of the population, bridging social inequalities, and fostering a more inclusive future. In this way, the census acts as a guiding tool for national progress, reminding us all that every individual contribution helps to paint a more accurate picture of Myanmar’s path forward. After listening to my long explanation, my children smiled at me and revealed their thanks.

Source- www.moi.gov.mm