PHNOM PENH: Cambodia’s population is projected to reach approximately 24 million by the year 2050, with the number of elderly people aged 65 and over expected to nearly double current figures, even as the youth demographic shrinks.
To preclude future societal crises, Prime Minister Hun Manet has highlighted the need for immediate investment.
According to Manet, Cambodia is currently in a “demographic dividend” phase — a period where the proportion of young people and the working-age population remains high. This provides a critical opportunity to drive economic growth, increase productivity and strengthen the foundations for long-term development.
However, he noted that this will not continue indefinitely; It will require investment in people, particularly in education, skills, health, employment opportunities, gender equality and the social environment.
In a statement released to mark the 37th World Population Day on July 11, themed “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future”, he stated that only by investing in them can the younger generation fully realise their potential to contribute to nation-building today and ensure resilient prosperity tomorrow.
Data from the 2024 Cambodia Inter-censual Population Survey shows that the country currently has a population of 17.3 million. Of this total, 26.8% are under the age of 15; 34.6% are aged 15–34; 32.1% are aged 35–64; and 6.5% are aged 65 and older.
By 2050, the population is projected to grow to 24 million, but the age structure will shift significantly: those under 15 will decrease to 21.8% and those aged 15–34 will drop to 28.2%. Meanwhile, the 35–64 age group will increase to 37.2%, and the elderly population (65 and over) will surge to 12.7%.
The prime minister emphasised that these figures clearly show that population issues are a “key factor” directly linked to the quality of human resources, the labour force, the job market, public service delivery, family well-being and future social security.
“This change in age structure confirms that the time to invest in young people is now,” he stated.
“If we fail to provide opportunities and support to the youth today, we will face various issues in the future, such as missing out on a ‘second demographic dividend’, a shortage of skilled labour, and an increasing economic and social burden caused by an aging population,” he added.
The increase in the elderly population is an inevitable future challenge that requires a proactive approach to social infrastructure. Manet suggested that by preparing in advance, Cambodia can transform the potential burden of an aging society into a “second demographic dividend” and an opportunity for the development of a “Silver Economy”.
“When the current younger generation receives job opportunities and decent incomes, they can not only improve their family’s current economic status but also save and build financial security to ensure a dignified life, support future generations, and continue investing when they enter old age,” he added.
Manet offered several recommendations, including strengthening population data systems and implementing evidence-based sector-specific policies. He identified the enhancement of statistical systems, civil registration, surveys, population projections and the use of administrative data as essential foundations for targeted and effective policy-making.
He urged significantly increased investment in education, skills training and decent work for youth, with a particular focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to meet the needs of the modern labour market.
Furthermore, he called for attention to health, well-being, gender equality and the protection of vulnerable groups, noting that a national long-term development plan must integrate healthcare systems, social protection, long-term care services and pensions for the elderly to ensure their continued participation in society.
“Cambodia’s future will be determined by the quality of investment in the people of today,” he said.
“If we can provide education, health, employment and a suitable social environment, Cambodia’s youth will become the vital force driving the country toward its long-term vision of becoming a high-income nation and a resilient society characterized by solidarity, equity and sustainability,” he added. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
