PM Hun Manet: Cambodia's Population to Reach 24 Million by 2050

Phnom Penh (ANTARA) - Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has said the country’s population is projected to reach around 24 million by 2050, rising from the 17.3 million recorded in the 2024 census.

In a message to mark World Population Day on 11 July, released to the public on Monday (13 July), Hun Manet explained the significant shift in the country’s age demographics over the coming quarter century.

“The latest projections show that the proportion of young people will continue to decline,” he said.

The population under the age of 15 is expected to shrink to 21.8 per cent by 2050, down from 26.8 per cent in 2024. A similar decline will occur in the 15-to-34 age group, falling to 28.2 per cent from 34.6 per cent.

Hun Manet explained that the reverse will be the case for Cambodia’s adult and elderly populations, which will see significant growth.

“The population aged 35 to 64 will increase to 37.2 per cent from 32.1 per cent,” he said.

He said the group aged 65 and above is projected to almost double, rising to 12.7 per cent from 6.5 per cent.

“This change in age structure clearly shows that now is the time to invest in the young population,” said Hun Manet.

He said immediate action is essential to protect the future of Cambodia’s economy.

“If we fail to provide opportunities and support to the current young population, we will face various challenges in the future, such as failure to achieve a second demographic dividend, a shortage of skilled labour, and the increasing economic and social burden of an ageing population,” he said.