According to Asiaweek's issue of August 24, 1994, in the middle of 1994 Myanmar counted a population of 45.5 Millions. This makes Myanmar the fifth most populated country in Southeast Asia. In terms of population it is surpassed by Indonesia with 191.1 Millions, Vietnam with 73 Millions, the Philippines with 65.6 Millions and Thailand with 59.5 Millions.

Myanmar is among the ethnically most mixed countries of Southeast Asia. Officially the Burmese government distinguishes 135 different nationalities far too many for all to be mentioned here.