Cambodia
Region
🌍 Asia
Population
👥 17
Currency
💱 Cambodian riel
Languages
🗣️ Khmer
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Cambodia, the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire, beckons travelers with its awe-inspiring historical sites and vibrant culture. The country is most renowned for the magnificent Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest religious monument in the world, offering a glimpse into a glorious past. Beyond the temples of Siem Reap, Cambodia unfolds with diverse landscapes, from the bustling capital Phnom Penh on the Mekong River to the pristine beaches and islands of the south coast like Koh Rong and Kep. A first-time visitor can expect a warm welcome from the Khmer people, a rich tapestry of traditions, and an unfolding journey of discovery, balancing ancient wonders with modern life.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Kingdom of Cambodia
Continent
Asia
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Cambodian
Independence
November 9, 1953 (from France)
Top-Level Domain
.kh
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+855
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+07:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Phnom Penh
ISO Alpha-2
KH
ISO Alpha-3
KHM
UN Code
116
Geographic Coordinates
13,105
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
181,035#90 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
17,816,143#73 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
98.71
Highest Point (m)
Phnom Aoral, 1,813 m
Lowest Point (m)
Sea level
Land Use
Agricultural land: 32.1%; Forest: 56.4%
Irrigated Land
21,600 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
443 km
Climate
Tropical; monsoonal; rainy season (May to November), dry season (December to April)
Natural Resources
Oil and gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Laos, Thailand, Vietnam
Major Rivers
Mekong, Tonle Sap
Major Lakes
Tonle Sap
Government Type
Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Administrative Divisions
25 provinces (khett) and 1 municipality (krong)
Legal System
Based on French civil law and customary law; new constitution adopted in 1993
Chief of State
King Norodom Sihamoni
Head of Government
Prime Minister Hun Manet
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister
Elections
Elections for the National Assembly held every five years; elections for Senate every six years
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Constitutional Council
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament (National Assembly and Senate)
Major Political Parties
Cambodian People's Party (CPP), Funcinpec
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Cambodian riel
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
51.27#96 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
152.47#91 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,872.43#163 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
16.11
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
43.14
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
34.98
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.35#116 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
10,367,640
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.26#184 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
50.34
Budget
The Cambodian government budget includes allocations for various sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
35.19#77 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
34.58#76 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Approximately $17.6 billion (2021 estimate).
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
Primarily agriculture, industry, and services.
Major Industries
Tourism, garments, construction, rice milling, fishing.
Major Export Partners
United States, European Union, China, Vietnam, Thailand.
Major Import Partners
China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
71.93#134 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
20.3
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.5
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -0.9 migrants per 1,000 population (2023 estimate).
Median Age
Approximately 25.8 years (2023 estimate).
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
41.11#168 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 2.1% annual rate of change (2020-2025 estimate).
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
70.8#146 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 0.6% of adults (2021 estimate).
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
4.62
Ethnic Groups
Khmer (90%), Vietnamese (5%), Chinese (1%), other (4%).
Religions
Theravada Buddhism (97%), other (3%).
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Khmer
Education
Education System
The Cambodian education system is structured into primary, secondary, and higher education. It is undergoing reforms to improve quality and access, with a focus on addressing disparities and curriculum development.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2008)Checked September 29, 2026
10.6
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is a significant portion of the budget, but it is still relatively low compared to some other countries in the region, with the goal of increasing education spending.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Royal University of Phnom Penh, University of Health Sciences, and Royal University of Agriculture are some of the major universities.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Cambodia has a rich culture rooted in Buddhism, with strong influences from Khmer traditions. Art, music, dance, and cuisine are central to Cambodian identity. Respect for elders and family are highly valued.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- ទិវាបុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំសកល (2026-01-01)
- ទិវាជ័យជម្នះលើរបបប្រល័យពូជសាសន៍ (2026-01-07)
- ទិវានារីអន្តរជាតិ (2026-03-08)
- ពិធីបុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី ប្រពៃណីជាតិ (2026-04-14)
- ពិធីបុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី ប្រពៃណីជាតិ (2026-04-15)
- ពិធីបុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ្មី ប្រពៃណីជាតិ (2026-04-16)
- ទិវាពលកម្មអន្តរជាតិ (2026-05-01)
- ព្រះរាជពិធីច្រត់ព្រះនង្គ័ល (2026-05-05)
- ព្រះរាជពិធីបុណ្យចម្រើនព្រះជន្ម ព្រះករុណា នរោត្តម សីហមុនី (2026-05-14)
- ព្រះរាជពិធីបុណ្យចម្រើនព្រះជន្ម សម្តេចព្រះមហាក្សត្រី នរោត្តម មុនិនាថ សីហនុ (2026-06-18)
- ទិវាប្រកាសរដ្ឋធម្មនុញ្ញ (2026-09-24)
- ពិធីបុណ្យភ្ផុំបិណ្ឌ (2026-10-10)
Popular Music
Cambodian music ranges from traditional folk to modern pop. Traditional instruments like the roneat (xylophone) are used. Pop music incorporating traditional elements and Western influences is popular.
Traditional Food
Traditional Khmer cuisine features rice, fish, and various curries, stir-fries, and soups. Amok (fish curry) and Lok Lak are popular dishes. Fresh fruits and vegetables are commonly used.
Sports
Football (soccer) is very popular. Other sports include boxing, volleyball, and martial arts such as Bokator.
Major Festivals
Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben (ancestor veneration), Water Festival (boat races).
Famous People
King Norodom Sihanouk (former king), Angelina Jolie (for her work in the country), and Hun Sen (former prime minister).
Cultural Heritage Sites
Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and other temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
UNESCO Sites
Angkor (cultural), Preah Vihear Temple (cultural), Sambor Prei Kuk (cultural).
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of tourist visits annually.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant sector, attracting visitors with historical sites, beaches, and cultural experiences.
Top Tourist Attractions
Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, beaches (Sihanoukville), Phnom Penh, temples.
Famous Cities
Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville.
National Parks
Several national parks, including Virachey National Park and Ream National Park.
Protected Areas
Protected areas are in place, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from November to May, is generally considered the best time to visit Cambodia, offering pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. November to February provides cooler, drier weather ideal for exploring the temples of Angkor and cities like Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. For beach lovers, the period from December to March is perfect for enjoying the southern islands and coastal towns, with calm seas and sunny skies. The shoulder months of March to May can be quite hot, but offer fewer crowds. The rainy season, from June to October, brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, making it a good option for budget travelers and those who don't mind occasional downpours, particularly for experiencing local life and festivals. The Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in November is a vibrant cultural spectacle worth planning around.
Tourist Visa Info
Visas are generally required for entry. Visas can be obtained on arrival or online.
Visa Requirements Overview
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Cambodia for tourism. Many nationalities can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at major international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, or at some land borders. Alternatively, an e-visa can be applied for online in advance, which is a convenient option for many travelers. Visa durations and fees vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa. Some countries have visa-exemption agreements with Cambodia for short stays. It is crucial to check the specific requirements for your passport well in advance of your travel dates to ensure a smooth entry.
Travel Advisory
Travel advisories may be in place, check your country's travel advisory for specifics.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index for Cambodia is approximately 43.19.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and location.
Number of Hospitals
There are numerous hospitals throughout Cambodia, with the number constantly evolving.
Universal Healthcare
Cambodia is working towards universal health coverage. Healthcare access is improving but faces challenges in quality and equity. The system is a mix of public and private providers.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services range from public hospitals to private clinics, with varying levels of quality.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but access and quality can vary based on location.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
117
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
119
Emergency Number (Fire)
118
Crime Rate
Moderate crime rate index.
Safety Index
Moderate safety index.
Military Expenditure
Relatively low military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are present in urban areas, but response times and resources may be limited.
Safety Overview
Cambodia is generally a safe country for tourists, with most visitors experiencing no significant issues. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas and markets, so be mindful of your belongings. Touts and unofficial guides may approach you, particularly around tourist attractions; it's best to politely decline or use reputable, pre-booked services. Road safety is a concern, especially when traveling outside major cities, so exercise caution with tuk-tuks and moto-taxis, and always wear a helmet. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, and avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash. Exercise common sense, trust your instincts, and you will likely have a trouble-free trip.
Military Branches
Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF). Includes army, navy, air force, and gendarmerie.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is increasing, but availability varies significantly between urban and rural areas.
Water Access
Access to improved water sources is improving, but challenges remain in rural regions.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is a challenge, with a significant portion of the population lacking access to improved sanitation facilities.
Railways
The railway system exists but is limited. There are lines connecting Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and Poipet.
Roadways
Road network is developing, with paved roads concentrated around urban areas. Road quality varies.
Transportation System
The transportation system includes roads, waterways, and air travel. Road infrastructure is developing, with buses and taxis being common forms of transport. Motorcycle taxis are also widely used.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Dara Sakor International Airport (DSY), Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI), Sihanouk International Airport (KOS), Techo International Airport (KTI), Battambang Airport (BBM)
Ports
Major ports include Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville, handling international trade and cargo.
Public Transit
Public transit primarily consists of buses and tuk-tuks in urban areas. Limited formal public transport.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
68.48#136 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
High mobile subscription rate.
Tech Startups
Growing tech startup scene, particularly in Phnom Penh.
Innovation Index
Relatively low innovation index.
ICT Development Index
Low ICT Development Index.
TV Broadcast Stations
Multiple TV broadcast stations are available.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous radio broadcast stations.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type A, C, and G, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
1.1#138 of 202
Air Quality Index
Poor air quality, especially in urban areas; significant PM2.5 levels.
Water Pollution Level
High water pollution from sewage, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited renewable energy usage, primarily hydropower.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and illegal wildlife trade.
Natural Hazards
Floods, droughts, and typhoons.
Waste Management
Inadequate waste management; open dumping and burning are common.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international environmental agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and others.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions around the world.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
ASEAN
Major Treaties
Major treaties related to trade, human rights, and environment.
Visa-Free Countries
Visa-free travel to a number of countries, varying based on passport strength and agreements.