Importantly, the largest part of the total 51.4 million population (2014 census) is concentrated in the Ayeyarwaddy basin area, so it sustains many significant socio-economic sectors and many livelihoods. The population is concentrated in two main areas: the Delta area (~50,400 km2) which is most exposed to recurring tropical storms, cyclones and floods and potential storm surge, and the ‘Dry Zone’ area, which is exposed to chronic droughts.