As of 2022, Cambodia's population is approximately 17 million. About 83% of the population resides in rural areas, while 17% live in urban settings. Children under the age of 15 make up the largest demographic group, accounting for nearly one-third of the population. Additionally, around three-fifths of the population is under the age of 30.

The age distribution is as follows:
- 33.7% are under 15 years old
- 31.5% are between 16 and 29 years old
- 17% are aged 30 to 44 years
- 11.4% are between 45 and 59 years old
- 4.9% are aged 60 to 74 years
- 1.5% are over 75 years old

While many young Cambodians engage in formal education at some point in their lives, schools and universities face significant challenges due to a lack of funding, books, equipment, and adequately trained and compensated teachers and staff. Fewer than half of the students enrolled in elementary school continue beyond the fifth grade. Literacy rates are relatively high, with four-fifths of males and two-thirds of females being literate.

Cambodia is predominantly a Buddhist country, with about 97% of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism. Additionally, there is a small Muslim-Cham community, making up 2% of the population. Christianity is rapidly growing among the younger population, with 1.4% of people identifying as Christian. Lastly, there are also practitioners of "other" religions, which include witch doctors, spiritual healers, and fortune tellers.