Cambodia’s population to hit 24 mln by 2050: PM

Baku, Jul 13 (AZERTACAPP): Cambodia’s population is projected to reach approximately 24 million by 2050, growing from 17.3 million recorded in the 2024 census, Prime Minister Hun Manet announced.

In a message marking World Population Day on July 11, released publicly on Monday, Hun Manet detailed significant shifts in the nation’s age demographics over the next quarter-century.

The new projections reveal a shrinking youth demographic, he said.

The population under the age of 15 is expected to decline to 21.8 percent by 2050, down from 26.8 percent in 2024. Similarly, the segment aged between 15 and 34 will drop to 28.2 percent from 34.6 percent.

Conversely, Cambodia’s adult and elderly populations will see substantial growth, the prime minister said.

Citizens aged 35 to 64 will increase to 37.2 percent from 32.1 percent, he said, adding that the demographic aged 65 and older is set to nearly double, rising to 12.7 percent from 6.5 percent.

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

He said that immediate action is vital to safeguard Cambodia’s economic future.

“If we fail to provide opportunities and support to the young population today, we will face challenges in the future, such as not achieving the second demographic dividend, a shortage of skilled labor, and an increasing economic and social burden due to an aging population,” he said.