Overview of Cambodia

Profile

Cambodia is located in the southern Indochina Peninsula and inherits the legacy of rice culture nurtured by a rich tropical monsoon climate and Khmer civilization. The capital Phnom Penh and the Angkor temple complex, where the Khmer Empire once flourished, are known as World Heritage sites. In recent years, the country has achieved economic growth centered on the garment industry and tourism, and is also engaged in regional integration as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Official name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Common name: Cambodia
Numeric code: 116
Alpha-3 code: KHM
Alpha-2 code: KH
Population: 17 million (2023)
Population density: approximately 95 people/km²
Primary languages: Khmer
Major religions: Theravada Buddhism
National anthem: Nokor Reach (Kingdom)
Calling code: +855
Internet TLD: .kh

History

After the glory of the Khmer Empire established in the 9th century and the civil war and Khmer Rouge regime of the late 20th century, the constitutional monarchy was restored in 1993.

The Khmer Empire, which reached its peak during the Angkor period from the 9th to 13th centuries from the ancient Funan and Chenla kingdoms, built stone temples and advanced irrigation networks. It became a French protectorate in the late 19th century and gained independence in 1953. In the 1970s, society collapsed due to the aftermath of the Vietnam War and civil war, with mass killings under the Pol Pot regime. After the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement and UN transitional administration, a new kingdom was established through elections in 1993, promoting reconstruction and reintegration into the international community.

Geography & climate

Basin-shaped terrain where the central plain is nourished by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake, surrounded by Dangrek Mountains and Cardamom Mountains

Tropical monsoon climate

Area: Asia / 181035 km²
Capital: Phnom Penh
Largest city: Phnom Penh
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Tonle Sap Lake
Bordering countries: Thailand, Laos, Vietnam

Natural resources

Forest resources, Freshwater fish, Rubber, Phosphate, Gold, Iron ore, Manganese, Gemstones (rubies and sapphires), Offshore oil and natural gas deposits, Hydropower

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (elective monarchy) and parliamentary democracy

Economy

Currency: Riel (KHR)

GDP (nominal): 30.6 billion US dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 92.4 billion US dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Khmer

Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Khmer, Cham, Vietnamese, Chinese, Phnong, Khmer Krom

Life expectancy

approximately 70 years

Literacy rate

approximately 83%

National sports

Pradal Serey (Khmer boxing), Football, Bokator, Sepak takraw, Volleyball