As of 2024, the top 1% in Myanmar earned 16.66% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 15.98%. Myanmar’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 26.49%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Myanmar in 2024
In 2024, income in Myanmar was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 16.66% of total national income, which is roughly on par with the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 15.98% of income, slightly higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Myanmar | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 16.66% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 42.93% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 15.98% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Myanmar?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Myanmar’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 26.49% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 9.83 percentage points to 16.66%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Myanmar has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 51.12% while the bottom 50% received 12.71%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 42.93% and 15.98% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 26.49% | 51.12% | 12.71% | 38.41 pp |
| 1986 | 26.49% | 51.12% | 12.71% | 38.41 pp |
| 1992 | 26.49% | 51.12% | 12.71% | 38.41 pp |
| 1998 | 26.49% | 51.12% | 12.71% | 38.41 pp |
| 2004 | 26.49% | 51.12% | 12.71% | 38.41 pp |
| 2010 | 26.49% | 51.12% | 12.71% | 38.41 pp |
| 2016 | 21.57% | 47.05% | 14.30% | 32.75 pp |
| 2022 | 16.66% | 42.93% | 15.98% | 26.95 pp |
How Myanmar Compares Globally
Myanmar vs Asia Average
Compared to other countries in Asia, Myanmar’s top 1% income share of 16.66% is roughly on par with the regional average of 16.42%. The bottom 50% in Myanmar receives 15.98% of income, compared to the Asia average of 15.41%.
Where Myanmar Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Myanmar ranks 72nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Myanmar ranks 67th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Myanmar include Pakistan, income distribution in Uzbekistan, income distribution in Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Myanmar?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Myanmar earned 16.66% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Myanmar?
Income inequality in Myanmar has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 26.49% in 1980 to 16.66% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Myanmar?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Myanmar received 15.98% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 42.93%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.