National Population Policy of Cambodia
The Royal Government of Cambodia is committed to addressing population issues based
on the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development
held in Cairo 1994 and subsequent revisions. Hence, the Royal Government recognizes the
central role of reproductive health services, empowerment of women through equal access to
education and public office, and the link between poverty and rapid population growth.
1. Overview of Socio-Economic Development
Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in South-East Asia. Access to good
quality health care and primary and secondary education for the large cohorts of rural poor is
very limited. Poor coverage of critical child health services is one of the factors contributing to
high infant mortality rates and high maternal mortality ratios. In terms of reproductive health
care there is a large unmet need for contraceptives and birth spacing services.
2. The Demographic Situation and Its Implications for Development
Except for Laos, Cambodia currently has the highest population growth rate (at 2.49%) among
ASEAN nations. At the same time the country has experienced a substantial fertility decline
since the 1960s. Between the early 1980s and late 1990s the average number of children born to
a woman decreased from six to four.
3. Principles, Goals and Objectives of the Population Policy
Through the policy Government would like to reaffirm its respect and support for the
right for all couples and individuals to have the basic right to decide freely and responsibly on
the number and spacing of their children, and to have access to the information, education,
services and means to do so.