Cambodia

Ancient Glory, Resilient Present, Promising Future

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country located in the Indochinese Peninsula, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand. Known for the Angkor Wat temple complex, Cambodia blends its rich Khmer heritage with ongoing development and regional integration. The country is a member of ASEAN and part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Home to the ancient Khmer Empire (9th–15th century), which built Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument.

  • Became a French protectorate in 1863; gained full independence in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk.

  • Endured the Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979), during which nearly 2 million people perished.

  • Entered a peace-building and democratic transition period from the 1990s, with the 1993 constitution re-establishing the monarchy.

  • Today, Cambodia continues to rebuild, modernize, and attract global investment.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Country Name Kingdom of Cambodia (ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រកម្ពុជា)
Capital Phnom Penh
Continent Asia (Southeast Asia)
Official Language Khmer
Currency Cambodian Riel (KHR) (USD widely used)
Area Approx. 181,035 sq. km
Population Approx. 17 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone Indochina Time (UTC+7)
ISO Code KH
Internet TLD .kh
Calling Code +855

Government and Leadership

Position Officeholder (as of 2024)
King Norodom Sihamoni (ceremonial, constitutional monarch)
Prime Minister Hun Manet (since 2023)
Government Type Constitutional Monarchy with Parliamentary Democracy
Legislature Bicameral – Senate (upper house), National Assembly (lower house)
Judiciary Supreme Council of the Magistracy, Constitutional Council

Administrative Divisions (Provinces & Capital)

Cambodia is divided into:

  • 25 Administrative Units:

    • 24 Provinces (Khaet)

    • 1 Capital Municipality (Phnom Penh)

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)

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.

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

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

Economy & Industry

  • Key Sectors:

    • Textiles and garments (largest export)

    • Construction and real estate

    • Agriculture: rice, rubber, cassava, fisheries

    • Tourism: cultural and eco-tourism

  • Major Trade Partners: China, US, EU, Vietnam, Thailand

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 32–35 billion

  • Rapid urbanization and foreign investment, especially in Sihanoukville SEZs

Education & Institutions

  • 12-year formal education system

  • Leading Universities:

    • Royal University of Phnom Penh

    • Royal University of Law and Economics

    • Institute of Technology of Cambodia

  • Language education in Khmer and English

  • Government focus on:

    • Vocational training

    • ICT literacy

    • STEM development

Healthcare

  • Public healthcare improving, but under-resourced in rural areas

  • Key Institutions:

    • Calmette Hospital (Phnom Penh)

    • Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital

  • Community health centers expanding with international support

  • Health focus areas: maternal care, malaria, dengue, child nutrition

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville International Airports

  • Roads: Major highways connect provinces, Chinese-funded expressways expanding

  • Railways: Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville line in use, others under development

  • Inland waterways and Mekong River transport critical in rural regions

Tourism & Attractions

  • UNESCO World Heritage: Angkor Wat, Preah Vihear Temple

  • Other highlights:

    • Tonle Sap Lake, Phnom Penh Royal Palace, Killing Fields

    • Sihanoukville beaches, Bokor National Park

    • Ecotourism in Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, and Cardamom Mountains

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Strong Khmer identity shaped by Buddhism, monarchy, and tradition

  • Arts: Apsara dance, silverwork, silk weaving, stone carving

  • Cuisine: Fish Amok, Khmer curry, Num Banh Chok

  • Festivals: Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, Water Festival

  • Blend of rural agrarian life and urban modernization

Summary

Cambodia is a nation with ancient roots and youthful energy, rising from its turbulent past into a modern regional player. From the grandeur of Angkor to emerging tech parks, Cambodia offers a unique blend of heritage, resilience, and ambition — making it a compelling voice in the future of Southeast Asia.