Cambodia

A Kingdom of Ancient Wonder, Resilience & Revival

Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a Southeast Asian nation renowned for its ancient Khmer heritage, Buddhist traditions, and the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex. Bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, and with a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia is a nation rising from its historical challenges toward economic modernization and cultural revival.

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🏛️ Formation & Historical Background

• 1st–6th Century: Funan and Chenla Kingdoms laid early foundations.

• 9th–15th Century: Khmer Empire flourished with Angkor as its capital—Angkor Wat built in the early 12th century.

• 1863–1953: Became a French protectorate and later part of French Indochina.

• 1953: Gained full independence under King Norodom Sihanouk.

• 1975–1979: Khmer Rouge regime led to a tragic genocide under Pol Pot.

• 1993: Transitioned to a constitutional monarchy under UN-backed elections.

Today, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a multi-party democracy, with a renewed focus on education, tourism, and sustainable development.

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🗺️ Basic National Information

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Government and Leadership

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🏞️ Geography & Borders

• North: Laos

• West: Thailand

• East: Vietnam

• South: Gulf of Thailand

• Major River: Mekong River

• Notable Lake: Tonlé Sap – Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake

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🏛️ Administrative Divisions

• Provinces: 24 provinces (Khaet) and 1 autonomous municipality

• Capital City: Phnom Penh (municipality)

• Other Major Provinces: Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Preah Sihanouk

List of Provinces:

1. Banteay Meanchey

2. Battambang

3. Kampong Cham

4. Kampong Chhnang

5. Kampong Speu

6. Kampong Thom

7. Kampot

8. Kandal

9. Kep

10. Koh Kong

11. Kratie

12. Mondulkiri

13. Oddar Meanchey

14. Pailin

15. Preah Vihear

16. Prey Veng

17. Pursat

18. Ratanakiri

19. Siem Reap

20. Preah Sihanouk (Sihanoukville)

21. Stung Treng

22. Svay Rieng

23. Takeo

24. Tboung Khmum

25. Phnom Penh (Capital, special status)

Each province is divided into:

• Districts (Srok) or Municipalities (Krong)

• Communes (Khum) and Villages (Phum)

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Local Government Structure

• Provinces are administered by Governors, appointed by the central government.

• Decentralization reforms introduced commune councils with elected members.

• Local governance also includes municipal and district offices.

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Leadership & Governance

• Dominated by the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP).

• Key national priorities:

  • Economic development and infrastructure expansion

  • Anti-corruption and administrative reform

  • International cooperation (especially with China, ASEAN, and Japan)

• Youth engagement and digital governance are emerging themes

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Law Enforcement & Safety

• Oversight by Ministry of Interior

• Agencies:

  • Cambodian National Police

  • Military Police (Gendarmerie)

• Focus areas:

  • Border protection and anti-smuggling

  • Cybercrime and narcotics

  • Disaster response

• Emergency Numbers:

  • 117 – Police

  • 118 – Fire

  • 119 – Ambulance

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🕌 Religion, Language & Culture

• Official Religion: Theravāda Buddhism (practiced by ~95% of population)

• Minority Religions: Islam, Christianity, Animism

• Official Language: Khmer

• Cultural Symbols: Apsara dance, silk weaving, traditional music, and cuisine

• UNESCO Heritage Site: Angkor Archaeological Park (Siem Reap)

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📚 Education & Health

• Rapid improvements in access to education and healthcare since 2000s

• Presence of universities like Royal University of Phnom Penh

• Ongoing development in rural health infrastructure and literacy programs

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💹 Economy & Key Sectors

• Agriculture: Rice, rubber, cassava

• Garment Industry: Major export contributor

• Tourism: Angkor Wat, beaches, cultural festivals

• Construction & Real Estate: Booming urban expansion in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville

• Emerging Sectors: ICT, green energy, fintech

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🧭 Transport & Infrastructure

• Airports: Phnom Penh International, Siem Reap International, Sihanoukville

• Rail: Limited rail connectivity being revived

• Roads: Ongoing highway and expressway development

• Seaports: Sihanoukville Autonomous Port

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🏝️ Tourism Highlights

• Angkor Wat: Largest religious monument in the world

• Siem Reap: Cultural capital with temples, markets, and performances

• Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

• Kampot & Kep: Colonial-era towns, pepper farms, and coastlines

• Sihanoukville: Beaches and islands like Koh Rong

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🌐 Cambodia on the Global Stage

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🔎 Summary

Cambodia is a land of ancient wonder and modern ambition. From the grandeur of Angkor to its resilient people and emerging economy, Cambodia is steadily positioning itself as a cultural, historical, and developmental force in Southeast Asia.

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📰 News & Articles

Stay updated with major developments and insights on Cambodia:

• “UNESCO Highlights Urgent Preservation of Angkor Wat”

• “Cambodia’s Shift to Renewable Energy by 2030”

• “Garment Exports Surge Despite Global Slowdown”

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🎯 Our Vision

Our goal is to offer a comprehensive and accessible knowledge hub covering Cambodia’s provinces, cities, culture, governance, and people—serving as a reliable guide for students, researchers, travelers, and citizens alike.

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📬 Contact Us

If you have updated information, corrections, or valuable insights about Cambodia, reach out to us.
Help us make this knowledge hub stronger for everyone.