Cambodia is a country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, and the official language is Khmer.

Cambodia's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with rice being the country's most important crop. Other important crops include cassava, rubber, and sugar cane. The country also has significant mineral resources, including gold, copper, and oil. Cambodia has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, but the benefits of this growth have not been evenly distributed, and poverty and inequality remain significant challenges.

Cambodia has a rich cultural heritage, with ancient temples such as Angkor Wat and Bayon attracting tourists from around the world. The country is also known for its traditional dance, music, and art forms, which have been preserved despite the devastation of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy, with the king serving as the head of state and a prime minister leading the government. The country has a multi-party system, but the political climate is often characterized by corruption and human rights abuses. Cambodia has a free press and a vibrant civil society, but freedom of expression and association are often restricted.

Cambodia faces many challenges, including poverty, corruption, and a lack of access to education and healthcare. The country is committed to addressing these issues, with a focus on promoting economic growth, expanding access to education and healthcare, and improving governance and human rights.

National holiday
Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Telephone Code
855

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 119; Fire: 118; Police: 117

Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

Climate
Tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation

Currency (Code)
Riels (KHR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): A, C, G

Major Languages
Khmer, Chinese, Vietnamese, other minority languages

Major Religions
Buddhist 97.9%, Muslim 1.1%, Christian 0.5%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Angkor Wat; Bayon Temple; Banteay Srei; Kratie; Royal Palace Phnom Penh; Angkor Thom; Prasat Bayong; Preah Khan; Bokor Hill Station

Major Sports
Soccer, basketball

Cultural Practices
In Cambodia, traditional greetings consist of a bow combined with a bringing of the hands together at the chest. The more respect intended, the lower the bow and the higher the placement of the hands.

Tipping Guidelines
A tip of 10% is appropriate at restaurants. If you are staying in a hotel, give the bellman around $1 (USD) per bag and housekeeping $1 (USD) per day. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.

Souvenirs
Krama scarves, silk items, carved statues, jewelry, silver boxes and bowls

Traditional Cuisine
A mok trei (fish amok) — a steamed fish curry with a mousse-like consistency

Geography
Area
total: 181,035 sq km
land: 176,515 sq km
water: 4,520 sq km

Climate
tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation

Natural resources
oil and gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential, arable land

People and Society
Population
16,891,245 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Khmer 95.4%, Cham 2.4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 0.7% (2019-20 est.)

Languages
Khmer (official) 95.8%, minority languages 2.9%, Chinese 0.6%, Vietnamese 0.5%, other 0.2% (2019 est.)

Religions
Buddhist (official) 97.1%, Muslim 2%, Christian 0.3%, other 0.5% (2019 est.)

Population growth rate
1.04% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Capital
name: Phnom Penh

Economy
Economic overview
one of the fastest growing economies; tourism and clothing exports; substantial manufacturing and construction sectors; COVID-19 declines and the suspension of EU market preferential access; massive reductions in poverty, but rural areas remain disproportionately poor

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$72.238 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$4,400 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
cassava, rice, maize, vegetables, sugar cane, soybeans, rubber, oil palm fruit, bananas, pork

Industries
tourism, garments, construction, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles

Exports
$20.126 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
United States 21%, Singapore 8%, Thailand 8%, Germany 7%, Japan 6%, China 5%, Canada 5%, United Kingdom 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
clothing, precious metal scraps, trunks/cases, gold, leather footwear (2019)

Imports
$32.83 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
China 27%, Thailand 25%, Vietnam 15%, Singapore 8% (2019)

Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, clothing, gold, cars, flavored water (2019)