Country guide - Cambodia  

 
 

Introduction: Cambodia is located in the southwestern section of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula in South East Asia. A coalition government, formed after national elections in 1998, bringing renewed political stability and the surrender of remaining Khmer Rouge forces. Cambodia is one of the world's most heavily landmined countries, with an estimated four to six million unexploded landmines dotted around the countryside waiting to be detonated.

Official Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Area: 181,040 sq km (69,900 sq miles)
Population: 13,124,500
Continent: Asia
Density per square mile: 188
Capital City: Phnom Penh
Religions: 95% Theravada Buddhists, 2% Muslims, remainder are Mahayana Buddhists and Roman Catholics.

Language: Khmer, but English & French are also used.
Government: Multiparty Democracy under a Constitutional Monarchy

Currency: Riel
GDP: $19.7 billion
GDP Per Head: $1,500

Natural Resources: Timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese & phosphates.
Land Use: Arable Land 21%
Agriculture: Corn, rice, rubber & vegetables.
Industry: Timber, rubber, shipping, rice milling, textiles and fishing.

Tourism: The ideal months to be in Cambodia are December and January, when humidity is bearable, temperatures are cooler and it's unlikely to rain. Although political tensions in Cambodia have eased, sporadic outbreaks of violence still occur. Visitors are advised to avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, and to generally exercise caution. Cambodia remains one of the world's most heavily landmined countries, with an estimated four to six million UXOs dotted around the countryside waiting to be detonated.

Natural Hazards: Monsoonal rains (June to November), flooding & occasional droughts.
Health Risks: Cholera, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid, rabies, Japanese B encephalitis, landmines

Climate: Cambodia has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The wet/monsoon season that lasts from May to October and the dry season that lasts from November to April while humidity is high throughout the year. In Phnom Penh average monthly precipitation is highest in October at 10 inches. The average annual temperature for Phnom Penh is 27 degrees Celsius all year round.

Time: GMT/UTC +7 hours
National Days: September 24 - Constitution Day, November 9 - Independence Day

Visas: A one-month visa can be purchased on arrival at Pochentong and Siem Reap airports.

British Embassy Details

 

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