Cambodia: Information
09-10-2026
Cambodia Travel and Country Guide: Essential Information, History, and Culture
Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a Southeast Asian nation located on the Indochina Peninsula. Bordered by Thailand to the west and northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, Cambodia covers a total land area of 181,035 square kilometers. With Phnom Penh as its vibrant capital, the country is celebrated globally for its ancient Khmer civilization, rich cultural traditions, and diverse landscapes.
Quick Facts: Cambodia Overview
Capital and Largest City: Phnom Penh
Official Language: Khmer
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD, widely accepted)
Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Dominant Religion: Theravada Buddhism (practiced by over 95% of the population)
Population: Approximately 17 million
Geography and Climate
Cambodia’s landscape features low-lying central plains framed by the Cardamom and Dâmrei mountain ranges to the southwest and the Dângrêk Mountains to the north.
Two critical geographical features define Cambodia’s ecology and agricultural economy:
Tonle Sap (The Great Lake): The largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, which expands and contracts dramatically with the monsoons, supporting essential commercial fisheries.
Mekong River: Flows from north to south across the country, providing vital transport routes and fertile agricultural floodplains.
The climate is tropical monsoonal, characterized by two major seasons:
Dry Season (November to April): Features lower humidity and sunny weather, making it the most popular time for international travelers.
Wet Season (May to October): Brings regular tropical downpours and high humidity, turning the countryside into lush green landscapes.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
Cambodian identity is rooted in the powerful Khmer Empire, which flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries across mainland Southeast Asia.
Angkor Archaeological Park: Located near Siem Reap, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Other renowned monuments within the complex include the smiling stone faces of Bayon Temple and the jungle-entwined Ta Prohm.
Traditional Arts: Classical Cambodian ballet (Apsara dance), shadow puppetry (Sbek Thom), and intricate stone and wood carving remain vital expressions of the country’s artistic legacy.
Modern History: Following turbulent decades in the late 20th century, modern Cambodia has undergone substantial cultural revitalization, memorializing its history through sites like the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center in Phnom Penh.
Economy and Key Industries
Cambodia maintains an open, market-driven economy supported by several key sectors:
Garment and Footwear Manufacturing: Represents the country’s primary merchandise export market.
Tourism and Hospitality: A major driver of foreign direct investment and foreign exchange earnings, driven by cultural tourism in Siem Reap and eco-tourism along the southern coastline.
Agriculture: Primarily wet-rice farming, supplemented by rubber, cassava, corn, and internationally recognized products such as Kampot black pepper.
Construction and Infrastructure: Rapid urban modernization across Phnom Penh and coastal hubs like Sihanoukville.