last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of Cambodia
Location Map of Cambodia
Cambodia
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Quick Overview
At the heart of Southeast Asia with a small outlet to the South China Sea, Cambodia is primarily a country of plateaus covered in forests (with highlands in the southwest and east) and savannas (plains). It is traversed by the Mekong River, which has always been vital to the country's economy and development, despite its regular flooding. Logically, the most populated areas and the bulk of agricultural production—including rice, which occupies 70% of cultivated land—have developed along the riverbanks.
Key Facts
- Type of place: country.
- Latitude/longitude: 11°33' N, 104°55' E.
- Local time:
- Capital: Phnom Penh
- Nature of the state: elective constitutional monarchy.
- Official language: Khmer.
- Currency: riel.
- Population: 16,449,519 inhabitants (2018).
- Area: 181,035 km².
- Density: 91 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Phnum Aoral (1,810 m).
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 443 km.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
Like a few other destinations, Cambodia is associated with one particular site. In this case, it’s Angkor; a unique and magnificent place. But the Khmer country is far from limited to this alone and will delight, much like its Laotian neighbor, lovers of local cultures and nature-adventure, including off the beaten path.
Meanwhile, like much of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is experiencing a surge in popularity. In 2018, it welcomed 6.201 million visitors (compared to just 2.5 million in 2010). While nationals from neighboring countries make up the majority, Westerners (Americans, British, French, Australians, etc.) are also present. Among them, around 150,000 French and 60,000 Canadian tourists visit each year.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for somewhat experienced travelers.
- By air: France-Phnom Penh.
- Entry requirements: passport valid for 6 months beyond the planned entry date + visa (on arrival or e-visa).
- Currency to bring: US dollar.
- Exchange rate:
- Daily "backpacker" budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best for getting around:
- Risks:
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices:
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays
Useful Addresses
Socio-Economic Statistics
- "Quality of life": 146/188 (2018 ranking)
- GDP per capita: $4,000 (2017)
- Average monthly income: ()
- Inflation: +2.9% (2017)
- "Official" unemployment: 0.3% (2017)
- Population below the poverty line: 16.5% (2016)
- Life expectancy: 65.2 years (2018)
- Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -0.3 (2017)
- Population growth: +1.48% (2018)
- Literacy rate: 77.2% (2015)
- Urban population: 23.4% (2018)
- Press freedom: 142/180 (2018 ranking)
- Political regime: authoritarian regime (125/167 in 2018)
Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook