Southeast Asia

Population of Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

12/04/2025
Population Information

Population of Phnom Penh (capital city of Campuchia) is about 2,2 million people in 2025, the 223rd most populous city in the world.

Total population

The total population of the Phnom Penh metropolitan area in 2025 is estimated at 2,2 million people, according to World Population Review and trends from UN World Population Prospects (2024 Revision).

In 2019, the population of Phnom Penh was recorded at 2,13 million (General Population Census 2019, NIS), up from 1,68 million in 2013. The metropolitan area covers an area of ​​approximately 679 km², with population density about 3.200 people/km² (World Population Review).

From 2020 (estimated at 2,15 million) to 2025, the population will increase by about 50.000-100.000 people, with an average growth rate of 0,5-1% per year, mainly due to rural migration (Kampong Cham, Prey Veng) and international immigration (China, Vietnam). However, the growth rate has decreased compared to the period 1998-2019 due to low fertility (2,0 children/woman in Phnom Penh, NIS 2014) and urban saturation.

Gender structure

Data from the 2019 General Population Census (NIS) for Phnom Penh:

  • Male: 48,6% (about 1,03 million people out of a total of 2,13 million).
  • Female: 51,4% (about 1,10 million people).

The sex ratio is 946 males per 1.000 females, lower than the national average (959 males per 1.000 females, Countrymeters 2024), due to the tendency of females to migrate to the city to work in the garment and service industries. Assuming this ratio remains stable until 2025, with a total population of 2,2 million, males will account for approximately 1,07 million and females 1,13 million. This slight difference may decrease as migrant male workers increase in the construction industry.

Age structure

Phnom Penh's age structure does not have specific 2024 data, but based on national trends (Worldometer 2025) and 2019 data (NIS):

  • Under 15 years old: 25,0% (about 0,53 million people in 2019).
  • From 15-64 years old: 69,0% (about 1,47 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 6,0% (about 0,13 million people).

Phnom Penh has a younger population than the national average (28,0% under 15 years old, 5,0% over 65 years old), thanks to youth immigration. Estimated 2025:

  • Under 15 years old: 24,0% (~0,53 million people).
  • 15-64 years old: 70,0% (~1,54 million people).
  • Over 65 years old: 6,0% (~0,13 million people).

The median age in Phnom Penh is estimated at 24–25 years, lower than the national average (26,2 years, Worldometer 2025), reflecting its role as an economic and educational hub. However, the proportion of people over 65 years old has increased slightly due to improved life expectancy (71 years for women, 67 years for men, NIS 2019).

Population of Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Phnom Penh City (Cambodia)

Population change

Historical data from UN Data, NIS, and World Population Review:

  • 1998: 1,0 million people.
  • 2008: 1,33 million people.
  • 2019: 2,13 million people.
  • 2020: 2,15 million people.
  • 2025: 2,2 million people (estimated).

From 1998-2019, Phnom Penh's population grew rapidly (an average of 3-4% per year), due to rapid urbanization, rural-urban migration, and recovery from the civil war (1975-1979 reduced the population to less than 0,1 million). From 2019-2025, the growth rate decreased to 0,5-1%, due to:

  • Low fertility rates in urban areas (2,0 children/woman compared to 3,3 in rural areas, NIS 2014).
  • Positive net migration (~10.000-20.000 people/year from the provinces).
  • Urban space is saturated, pushing the population out to neighboring areas like Kandal.

The Khmer Rouge (1975-1979) caused Phnom Penh's population to collapse, but since the 1990s the city has recovered thanks to foreign investment and tourism (Angkor Wat is nearby).

Forecast

Phnom Penh population forecast based on national and regional trends:

  • Short term (until 2035): The population could reach 2,5 million, with a growth rate of 0,5-0,8% per year, thanks to its role as an economic center (contributing 25% of Cambodia's GDP), tourism (2 million international visitors in 2023), and Chinese investment (industrial parks, real estate). However, growth is limited by a falling birth rate and urban pollution (Mekong River).
  • Long term (until 2050): The population could stabilize or decline to 2,3-2,4 million, due to a declining fertility rate (expected to be below 1,8 children per woman), an aging population (10-15% over 65), and migration to new cities such as Sihanoukville. This is consistent with Cambodia’s population forecast to peak at 20,53 million in 2040 (Statista).

The government is investing in infrastructure (Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville highway, airport expansion) to manage the population, but challenges from slums (~105.000 people, World Population Review), traffic, and inequality remain severe.

Sources:

Cambodia Population 2024

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