Cambodia Releases 2025 Labor Force Survey Results, Highlighting Employment and Demographic Trends

The Ministry of Planning of Cambodia has officially announced the results of the 2025 Cambodia Labor Force Survey. This survey aims to provide the government, ministries, development partners, researchers, and the public with reliable official statistical data and indicators on the current situation and trends of Cambodia's labor market. According to the 2025 survey, Cambodia's working-age population reached approximately 13.1 million people (6.3 million males and 6.8 million females). Of these, 7.8 million reside in rural areas and 5.3 million in urban areas. The total dependency ratio stood at 49.5%, showing a downward trend from 50.6% in 2019. This is largely attributed to a decrease in the dependency ratio of the young population under 15 years old, which fell to 37.9%. The labor force participation rate increased to 71.6% (77.7% for males and 65.9% for females), up from 69.3% in 2019. This reflects a decrease in the proportion of the population outside the labor force, from 30.7% to 28.4%. Regarding employment, 69.0% of the working-age population aged 15 and above, or approximately 9.1 million people, are employed. The service sector accounts for the largest share at 43.0%, followed by industry at 29.4% and agriculture at 27.6%. The unemployment rate in 2025 was 3.6%, equivalent to approximately 342,067 people, with women constituting a larger proportion than men. Furthermore, 75.1% of the employed are engaged in the informal sector, while only 24.9% are in the formal sector. The average monthly wage for a main job is 1,201,436 Riel (approximately $300 USD), with males earning slightly more than females. Minister Bin Trachhey emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, the government prioritizes 'human capital' as a core objective. He stated that the survey results serve as crucial evidence for policy formulation, planning, and targeted interventions to support inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development, moving towards Cambodia's vision of becoming a high-income country by 2050. The Minister urged all relevant ministries, institutions, sub-national administrations, the private sector, educational institutions, researchers, and development partners to fully utilize the 2025 Labor Force Survey results to ensure policies, decisions, and investments are more effective and responsive to labor market changes. Source: AKP Khmer