Burmese Population in the USA

The Burmese Population[1] in the U.S., Indiana, and Indianapolis
Burmese American Community Institute – August 2023
Email: info@thebaci.org | Tel: 317-731-5537

INDIANAPOLIS, USA, August 4, 2023- America: Land of the Free, Home of the Brave. Many refugees, who flee from the dangers of their homeland, risk their lives to enter the United States in hope of a better future. The United States, known for being the world leader in responding to emerging global issues, including providing refugee protection and humanitarian assistance, has welcomed more than 3.5 million immigrants with open arms since 1975. More than 188,095 Burmese refugees have been admitted to the U.S. since 2000. More than 40,000 Burmese reside in Indiana and approximately 30,000 are calling Indianapolis their new home. The overall Burmese population in the U.S. is estimated to be around 322,000.

I. Burmese population in Indianapolis – Total: 29,231

• Ethnic breakdown of Burmese population in Indianapolis and (USA primary as of June 2022*) as of July 2023
  • Chin – 22,251 (63,578*)
  • Karenni (Kayah) – 1920 (13,509*)
  • Karen – 1900 (75,218*)
  • Burman (or Bamar) – 720 (6,429*)
  • Arakanese – 610 (2,603*)
  • Kachin – 560 (4,206*)
  • Mon – 560 (2,351*)
  • Shan – 390 (1,241*)
  • Others – 410 (17,400*)[2]

II. Burmese population in the State of Indiana – Total: 42,991

• Indianapolis: 29,231
• Fort Wayne:  13,170
• Other cities: 500

III. Total Burmese population in USA – Total: 322,173

Myanmar[3] (also known as Burma[4]) is a multiethnic state comprising eight major ethnic groups, various sub-ethnic and religious groups, with over 100 languages and dialects spoken. Myanmar has a total population of 51,486,253 (2014 Census Volume 2).

[1] Primary data come from the U.S. Department of State, Refugee Processing Center and a study on “U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and Secondary Migration” by the Upward College Summer Scholars Program 2023.

[2] Other groups include Chinese, Tamil, Rohingya (9,884), etc.

[3] Population of each of the States and Regions; 8 groups have their own states and regions: Kachin (Kachin State: 1,689,441), Kayah or Karenni (Kayah State: 286,627), Karen (Karen State: 1,574,079), Chin (Chin State: 478,801), Mon (Mon State: 2,054,393), Rakhaine (Rakhaine State: 3,188,807), Shan (Shan State: 5,824,432), and Burman or Bamar (in 7 regions: Sagaing Region: 5,325,347, Tanintharyi Region: 1,408,401, Bago Region: 4,867,373, Magway Region: 3,917,055, Mandalay Region: 6,165,723, Yangon Region: 7,360,703, Ayeyawady Region: 6,184,829, Nay Pyi Taw: 1,160,242). Myanmar has a total population of 51,486,253 (2024 Census Volume 2).

[4]The past repressive military regime in the country changed its name from Burma to Myanmar in 1989, which is the year after the ’88 nationwide uprising when peaceful protesters were brutally responded to and thousands were killed. The country is known as Myanmar in many countries around the world and recognized at the United Nations. However, along with the democratic forces, the West, specifically the US and the UK, does not recognize the legitimacy of the change of name. They therefore officially use “Burma” up to the present. The EU officially uses the name Burma/Myanmar. FAQ of what is the difference between Burma, Burman and Burmese explained: A very brief explanation of technical terms and the usage of the ethnic names of Burma/Myanmar. Burma (or Myanmar) is a country name, whereas Burman or Bama refers to one of the ethnic groups of Burma, a majority ethnic group. Chin, Kachin, Shan, Karenni (or Kayar), Karen, Mon, Arakan (or Rakhaine), Bama (or Burman)—these terms represent eight major ethnic groups of Burma. The term “Burmese” usually refers to, or technically and simply means, either the people from Burma or the origin language of the Burman ethnic group, or the language commonly spoken by the people of the country.
*This indicates the Burmese refugees directly admitted to the US nationally.

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