Core Facts / Infobox

Present this as a clean two-column table containing accurate and verified national facts. Include only fields with real data.

Geography & Environment

• Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand.
• It features lowlands, forests, mountains, and the Tonlé Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.
• The Mekong River flows through the country, supporting agriculture and fishing.
• Climate: tropical monsoon with wet (May–October) and dry (November–April) seasons.
• Best time to visit: November to February.
• National parks: Cardamom Mountains, Bokor National Park, Virachey National Park.
• Wildlife includes elephants, tigers (rare), gibbons, crocodiles, and unique bird species.
• Environmental challenges: deforestation, illegal logging, climate change impacts, water management issues.
• Unique features: Angkor region’s forests, Tonlé Sap’s reversing river flow phenomenon.

Demographics

• Total population: ~17 million.
• Median age: ~26 years.
• Urban vs rural: ~24% urban, ~76% rural.
• Ethnic groups: Khmer (majority), Vietnamese, Cham, Chinese, hill tribes.
• Religions: Buddhism (majority), Islam, Christianity, traditional beliefs.
• Literacy rate: ~80–85%.
• Major cities: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville.

History

• Cambodia’s roots lie in the ancient Funan and Chenla kingdoms.
• The Khmer Empire (9th–15th century) built the iconic Angkor Wat and ruled much of mainland Southeast Asia.
• Colonial period: Cambodia became a French protectorate in 1863.
• Independence achieved on 9 November 1953.
• Dark period: Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) caused widespread tragedy.
• Modern Cambodia has focused on recovery, economic growth, and global integration.

Government & Politics

• Government type: Unitary constitutional monarchy.
• Executive: King (symbolic head of state) and Prime Minister.
• Legislature: bicameral Parliament (National Assembly and Senate).
• Judiciary: Supreme Court, appellate and provincial courts.
• Administrative divisions: 25 provinces including Phnom Penh.
• Political topics: development, infrastructure, foreign investment, governance reforms.

Economy

• Cambodia is one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
• Major industries: textiles and garments, tourism, agriculture, construction.
• Main exports: garments, footwear, rice, bicycles, furniture.
• Main imports: machinery, fuels, vehicles, refined textiles, chemicals.
• Strengths: tourism potential, low labor costs, strategic location.
• Weaknesses: limited infrastructure, reliance on garment industry, rural poverty.
• GDP sectors: Services (~40%), Industry (~34%), Agriculture (~22%).
• Tourism (especially Angkor Wat) is a major revenue source.

Culture & Society

• Khmer culture emphasizes family, respect, Buddhism, and community traditions.
• Major festivals: Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, Water Festival, Royal Ploughing Ceremony.
• Traditional dress: the Sampot for women and men in formal or cultural events.
• Arts: Apsara dance, silk weaving, stone carving, classical music.
• Languages: Khmer (official), minority languages, English increasingly used in cities.

Food & Cuisine

• National dish: Fish Amok — a creamy coconut curry steamed in banana leaves.
• Iconic dishes: Lok Lak, Khmer Red Curry, Num Banh Chok (Khmer noodles), Bai Sach Chrouk.
• Street foods: grilled meats, noodle soups, fried insects, baguette sandwiches (num pang).
• Beverages: iced coffee with condensed milk, sugarcane juice, palm wine.
• Cuisine known for mild flavors, fresh herbs, fermented ingredients, and rice.

Education & Institutions

• Education improving steadily with growing enrollment rates.
• Medium of instruction: Khmer; English widely taught in higher education.
• Literacy rate: ~80–85%.
• Top universities: Royal University of Phnom Penh, University of Cambodia, Royal University of Law and Economics.
• Notable fields: agriculture, tourism, business, engineering.

Tourism

• Top attractions: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm, Phnom Penh Royal Palace, Kampot, Sihanoukville beaches.
• UNESCO sites: Angkor, Temple of Preah Vihear.
• Natural attractions: Cardamom Mountains, Tonlé Sap Lake, Koh Rong Island.
• Historical landmarks: Killing Fields, Tuol Sleng Museum.
• Adventure tourism: trekking, kayaking, jungle exploration, island hopping.
• Visa: e-visa available for most visitors.
• Transportation: buses, tuk-tuks, ferries, domestic flights.

Practical Information

• Safety: generally safe; scams and petty theft occur in tourist areas.
• Healthcare: good in Phnom Penh; limited in rural areas.
• Emergency numbers: Police 117, Fire 118, Ambulance 119.
• Plug type: A, C, G; Voltage: 230V.
• Internet: good in major cities; 4G widespread.
• Best time to visit: November to February.
• Budget: very affordable for travelers.

Sports, Entertainment & Notable People

• National sport: Pradal Serey (Khmer kickboxing).
• Popular sports: football, volleyball, martial arts, dragon boat racing.
• Notable figures: Hun Sen (politics), Sinn Sisamouth (music), Angelina Jolie (honorary cultural advocate).
• Performing arts include Apsara dance and Khmer classical music.

Neighboring Countries of Cambodia

Cambodia shares land borders with the following countries:

• 541 km with Laos
• 803 km with Thailand
• 1,228 km with Vietnam

Famous For

• Angkor Wat and Khmer Empire heritage.
• Fish Amok and traditional Khmer cuisine.
• Tonlé Sap Lake.
• Apsara dance.
• Beautiful islands like Koh Rong.
• French colonial architecture.
• Silk weaving and handicrafts.

Sources

• World Bank
• United Nations (UN Data)
• IMF
• CIA World Factbook
• Cambodia National Institute of Statistics
• Official Government Publications