National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia (Updated 2024)
National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia (Updated 2024)
National Report on the Demographic and Socio-Economic Situation of Indigenous Peoples in Cambodia (Updated 2024)
The 2024 national report, produced by the Ministry of Planning and the Cambodia Indigenous Peoples Alliance (CIPA) using 2019 census data, provides an overview of the demographic and socio-economic conditions of Cambodia’s Indigenous peoples to support planning and raise public awareness.
Cambodia officially recognises up to 27 Indigenous groups, though different government sources list between 19 and 24. In 2019, the Indigenous population totaled 172,980 people, or 1.11% of the national population. Most live in the northeastern provinces of Ratanak Kiri, Mondul Kiri, Kratie, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, and Kampong Thom. Six major groups account for over 85% of the Indigenous population.
Indigenous communities are younger than the national average, with a median age of 21. While fertility rates are declining, they remain higher than the national level, and marriage tends to occur earlier. Migration rates are low and mainly rural-to-rural, though women increasingly migrate to urban areas for work.
Education has improved, with Khmer literacy rising to 56.5% in 2019 and school attendance among children reaching 75.4%. However, many adults have only a primary education, and challenges such as dropout and delayed schooling remain.
Most Indigenous people participate in the labor force, mainly in agriculture (over 92%), with very few working in industry or services. Although unemployment is low, many workers are self-employed or unpaid, reflecting limited formal employment opportunities.
Health and living conditions remain unequal. Many households lack toilets (56%), and access to healthcare and clean water varies. Housing ownership is high, and access to electricity and modern amenities has improved, especially since 2008.
Progress has also been made in land rights. By late 2024, 198 communities had received official recognition, and collective land titles covered nearly 34,000 hectares. However, many communities still lack legal land security.
Overall, while Indigenous peoples in Cambodia have experienced improvements in education, infrastructure, and legal recognition, they continue to face significant socio-economic disadvantages. Continued policy support and targeted interventions are needed to promote equitable development and protect Indigenous cultures and livelihoods.
