The 2014 Census in Myanmar was a major undertaking considering that the last census was conducted in 1983, more than 30 years ago. The complexity of census tasks and the resources involved demand proper planning and implementation but more importantly, it requires significant capacity building and resources, and the support of development partners, civil society, private sector and the public's cooperation. It is an exercise that the Myanmar Government could not undertake alone.

The overall estimated census cost was USD 58.5 million. This translated into approximately $1 per person. Other countries around the globe spend between $3 and $15 per person for their census. This means that the Myanmar census was being conducted in a very cost effective way.

The Government contributed USD 15 million which included the provision of full-time staff at central, state/region and township level, equipment, facilities, and services for the execution of the census. UNFPA committed USD 5 million from its core resources. These funds were utilized on the census preparatory activities including the pilot census, equipment, mapping, among others. UNFPA also provided in kind contribution through technical and programmatic support by the country office, regional office and headquarters.

Support from donors was made either in financial commitments or in-kind contributions (e.g. services, communication/advocacy, equipment, etc...). To date, financial contribution to the census was provided by AusAID, DFID, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Germany, Italy, and Sweden. The United States provided support to the census through technical assistance.

UNFPA set up a multi-donor pooled funding modal to streamline the management, reporting and effective use of all contributions for the census.