The 2014 Population and Housing Census was the first census undertaken in the country in 30 years. The Census gathered data on the social, economic, and demographic characteristics of people and households in Myanmar. 

The government officially recognizes 135 indigenous ethnic groups in Myanmar, grouped into eight national races: Burman, Kachin, Kayah, Karen, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan.

The official and most widely spoken language in Myanmar is Burmese, but the minority ethnic groups use their own languages. English became the official language during the colonial period.