CNI News
1 November 2025
The population within Myanmar has been gradually declining due to ongoing national instability, according to political analyst U Htet Aung Kyaw, who spoke to CNI News.
Commander-in-Chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing stated on October 27, during the release ceremony of the 2024 Population and Housing Census, that the country’s population had slightly decreased for the first time in a decade.
U Htet Aung Kyaw explained that although Myanmar has a large number of young people who are capable of contributing productively to the nation, political instability and national unrest have caused many of them to migrate abroad for work or education—leading to a decrease in population.
Youths seen at the census ceremony on October 27, 2025
He said: “When the country is at a stage where it could progress, political crises arise. As a result, young people who could have contributed to national development through industries are instead drawn into armed conflicts. We’ve lost a great number of our human resources that way. Moreover, because many people are worried about these situations and find it difficult to stay in the country, they go abroad for employment or education. That’s why the population has declined. During the very time when we should be harnessing our advantages, political turmoil has weakened us. It’s truly unfortunate for the nation.”
Although Myanmar is geopolitically significant, its population density remains low compared to neighboring countries. According to official data, this is the first population decline in ten years, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said.
U Htet Aung Kyaw emphasized that national institutions must make collective efforts to bring back young people from abroad to contribute to the country’s growth and development.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seen at the census ceremony on October 27, 2025.
“Those who leave the country don’t do so because they no longer love their homeland. It’s simply because they are facing many difficulties right now. When they go abroad, it’s not that they’re living idly—those who work are working hard, and those who study are pursuing their education. Therefore, if our young people gain experience and knowledge overseas, they could contribute significantly if we create opportunities for them to return and participate in national development. If we fail to do so, the situation will only worsen. Everyone needs to work together to make this possible.”, he added.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also warned that neglecting the youth could lead to a “Demographic Burden” and eventually to a “Demographic Disaster”—a severe population decline that could threaten national stability and peace.
