Cambodia Population 2026

Overview

Cambodia's population has grown consistently over the past decade, with a 10-year average annual growth rate of 1.37%, slightly higher than the most recent 1-year rate of 1.23% in 2025. This trend reflects a gradual slowdown in population expansion, typical of countries undergoing demographic transition as fertility rates decline and urbanization increases. The country's population of 17.6 million places it among mid-sized nations in the East Asia & Pacific region, a region that includes both rapidly growing and aging populations. As a lower middle income country, Cambodia faces challenges and opportunities related to its youthful demographic profile, including labor force expansion and pressure on public services. Regional context shows that Cambodia's growth rate is moderate compared to neighbors like Laos and Myanmar, but higher than more developed economies such as Thailand and Vietnam, which have slower or negative growth. The population density and distribution are uneven, with the majority of Cambodians living in rural areas, though urban centers like Phnom Penh are expanding rapidly. Overall, Cambodia's demographic trends align with its economic development stage, where growth remains positive but is gradually decelerating.

Key Facts

• Cambodia's latest population in 2025 is 17,638,801.
• The 1-year population growth rate for 2025 is 1.23%.
• Over the past 10 years, the average annual growth rate has been 1.37%.
• Cambodia ranks 72nd globally in population size.
• The country is located in the East Asia & Pacific region.
• Cambodia is classified as a lower middle income economy.