Population dynamics shape a country in many ways, from economic opportunity to resource sustainability to cultural traditions. Cambodia has seen massive fluctuations in population over the last century due to war, disease, and poverty. But recently, Cambodia population growth has started to stabilize and grow steadily. What does this mean for Cambodia’s future? Keep reading to explore Cambodia’s population rollercoaster, find out where numbers stand today, and consider what might be in store for this Southeast Asian nation of over 16 million people.
Historic Population Growth in Cambodia
Cambodia’s population has grown rapidly over the past several decades. In the 1960s, Cambodia had a population of about 5 million. Today, there are over 16 million Cambodians, and the population is projected to reach 18.08 million by 2030, according to Worldometer of United Nations data.
How did Cambodia’s population grow so quickly? There are a few reasons:
- High birth rates. Cambodia has a high birth rate of 2.4%, with the average Cambodian woman giving birth to 2.7 children in her lifetime. These high birth rates, combined with a population with a large proportion of young people, have led to population growth.
- Improving living standards. Cambodia has seen improving economic conditions and living standards. As people live longer, the population grows. Infant mortality rates have declined from over 180 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1960 to just 28 per 1,000 today.
- Migration. Cambodia has many emigrants who have left the country, with over 1 million Cambodians living abroad. However, Cambodia has also seen some immigration from neighboring countries like Vietnam and China. Net migration has added to Cambodia’s population growth.
Cambodia’s high population growth poses challenges like strains on resources and economic development. The government is working to promote family planning and birth control to slow growth to more sustainable levels, but population growth is likely to remain relatively high for the next few decades due to Cambodia’s young population. With prudent management of resources and the economy, however, a large population could become an asset for Cambodia’s future.
Current Population Statistics and Demographics in Cambodia
Cambodia’s population has exploded in recent decades. After the Khmer Rouge regime fell in 1979, the population was only around 7 million. Today, Cambodia’s population is over 16 million and growing fast.
The majority of Cambodians still live in rural areas, though urban migration is increasing. Over 50% of the population is under 25 years old, making Cambodia a very youthful country. The fertility rate is 2.6 children per woman, down from over six children in the 1960s but still higher than most neighboring countries.
Ethnic Groups and Languages
The majority (over 90%) of Cambodians are ethnic Khmers. There are also small Cham, Chinese, and Vietnamese minorities. The official language is Khmer, spoken by nearly all Cambodians. Some also speak French, Vietnamese, or Chinese.
Religion
Most Cambodians (over 95%) practice Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism shapes Cambodian culture, values, and daily life. A small Muslim Cham minority (under 2%) also lives in Cambodia.
Cambodia has a young, diverse, and quickly growing population. With improved education and access to birth control, Cambodia’s growth rate should start to slow in the coming decades. But population pressures will continue to challenge Cambodia’s development for generations.
Factors Driving Population Growth in Cambodia
Cambodia’s population growth over the years has been influenced by several key factors. Many of these factors stem from the country’s history, while others are recent developments.
Poverty and Lack of Access to Birth Control
For much of Cambodia’s history, poverty and lack of access to birth control and family planning resources have driven population growth. Many Cambodians, especially in rural areas, have lacked access to contraception and reproductive health education. This has contributed to higher birth rates, as people have more children than they can adequately provide for.
Cultural Norms Valuing Large Families
Cambodian cultural norms have traditionally valued large families, encouraging couples to have many children. Large families have been seen as a source of labor and security for parents as they age. However, as Cambodia has transitioned to a more industrial economy, the economic benefits of large families have declined.
Improved Health and Declining Mortality
Due to improved health care, nutrition, and living standards, Cambodia’s infant and child mortality rates have declined dramatically since the 1990s. This has meant that a higher percentage of children survive into adulthood and go on to have their own children. Although positive in itself, declining mortality has contributed to rapid population growth.
Urban Migration
Rapid urban migration in Cambodia has concentrated large populations in cities like Phnom Penh. This can drive population growth over the long run, as urban populations often have higher birth rates. Providing family planning resources and education to migrants and urban populations is important for balancing population growth in Cambodia.
Controlling population growth will be key to Cambodia’s future economic and social progress. By addressing poverty, health care access, cultural norms, and urbanization, Cambodia can work to stabilize its population at a sustainable level. Investing in voluntary family planning and women’s empowerment will be especially important for shaping Cambodia’s demographic future.
Future Population Projections for Cambodia
Cambodia’s population is expected to reach 18.08 million by 2030 and over 20.26 million by 2050 if fertility and growth rates stay high. This rapid growth strains the country’s economy and natural resources. The government aims to slow growth by improving birth control and education access. While population growth has slowed since the 1990s, Cambodia still has a relatively high fertility rate compared to other Southeast Asian countries.
Future Challenges for Cambodia population
Rapid population growth can strain Cambodia’s resources and economy. Providing basic necessities like food, housing, and jobs for a larger population may prove difficult if economic growth does not keep up. Cambodia also has a young population, with over 60% under 30. Educating and employing youth will be key to continued development.
Cambodia may also face environmental challenges, as population growth can increase the demand for natural resources like water, timber, and land. Deforestation and loss of agricultural land are ongoing concerns. The Mekong River region, in particular, may see greater water scarcity.
However, a growing population also means a larger workforce, which can drive economic growth if matched with job opportunities. A youthful population, if given access to education and skills training, can provide an economic boost as a demographic dividend.
Most projections show Cambodia’s population growth slowing over the coming decades as access to healthcare and education improves and standards of living rise. By the mid-century, Cambodia’s population growth is expected to stabilize between 0.5 to 1% per year. Slower growth will ease pressures on Cambodia’s economy and environment, allowing for more sustainable development. With continued social and economic progress, Cambodia is well-positioned to benefit from a transition to slower population growth.
Population FAQs: Cambodia Population Census and More
Cambodia’s population has grown rapidly over the past several decades. If you’re curious about the details, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Cambodia’s population census and growth.
How often does Cambodia conduct a population census?
Cambodia conducts a national population census every ten years. The most recent census was in 2019. These censuses aim to collect critical demographic data to help the government plan and develop programs for the country.
What is Cambodia’s current population?
According to the 2019 census, Cambodia’s population is over 15.2 million. Phnom Penh remains the most populated city, with over 2 million residents. Cambodia has a very young population, with over 40% under 25.
What factors have contributed to Cambodia’s population growth?
Several factors have driven Cambodia’s population growth:
- Improved health care and living standards have decreased mortality rates, especially infant and child mortality rates. More Cambodian children are surviving into adulthood.
- High birth rates, with most Cambodian women having 3 to 4 children on average. Cultural traditions that value large families and rural, agricultural lifestyles have encouraged high fertility.
- An agricultural economy and lack of education have limited access to and use of birth control for many Cambodians. However, birth control use is increasing, especially among younger and urban populations.
What is the future outlook for Cambodia’s population growth?
Cambodia’s population growth rate has slowed in recent years and is projected to continue declining over the next few decades. Birth control use is increasing, women are having fewer children, and more girls are receiving an education. If current trends continue, Cambodia’s population growth is expected to stabilize by 2050 at around 20.25 million people. Slower population growth will allow Cambodia’s economy to prosper and standards of living to rise.