There were several limitations about this survey due to restrictions on local fieldwork and the political instability of Myanmar. Consequently, the study on ethnic groups and changes was based more on documentary and historical research. From a literature review, it was revealed that, from the colonization period to the period before independence, ethnic studies were conducted by the colonizers. Therefore, research work reflected their ethnically-biased perspectives based on their skin color and British cultural standard. Ethnic and indigenous cultures were regarded as primitive. Ethnic works before the independence focused mainly on descriptive culture of the ethnic groups, such as, history, settlement, social structure, politics, belief, religion, ritual, dress, family, kinship, and leisure activities. After independence, the process of nation building brought about ethnic conflicts. Thus, most works presented ethnic conflicts, political and administrative contestation and unsettled power relationship resulting in marginalized and powerless people. Ethnic tensions and conflicts brought about displaced people. This multi-social aspect obliged several ethnic groups to create new identities or to maintain their own identities in an attempt to present their distinct forms of culture. It was further noted that issues on ethnic research in Myanmar should reflect local history, background, social evolution and culture in connection with globalization, impacts of globalization and peaceful co-existence in the future based on cultural diversity.