The Union of Myanmar is made up of 135 national races of which the main
national races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan.
Population of the country is estimated at 44.74 million (1995-96) and the
population growth rate is 1.87 per cent. Of the total population of 44.75
million in 1995-96 the male population was 22.22 million or 49.66 per cent
and female population was 22.52 million or 50.34 per cent. It is expected
that the population will reach 50 million by the year 2000.