Cambodia

Cambodia, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a Southeast Asian nation bordered by Thailand to the west and northwest, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east and southeast, with a southern coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. Despite a turbulent past shaped by colonial rule, internal conflict, and authoritarian governance, modern Cambodia functions as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. It has experienced rapid economic development while maintaining a rich cultural identity rooted in its Khmer heritage.

Historical Background

The history of Cambodia is inseparably linked to the Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), one of the most powerful civilisations in Southeast Asia. Centred on Angkor, the empire reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries, leaving an enduring legacy in the form of monumental architecture, notably Angkor Wat, which has become a national symbol and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decline of the empire was marked by invasions from the Thai and Cham peoples, leading to political fragmentation and weakened sovereignty.
In 1863, King Norodom placed the kingdom under French protection, initiating nearly a century of colonial rule as part of French Indochina. After brief Japanese occupation during the Second World War, Cambodia achieved independence in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk. The subsequent decades were marked by instability, culminating in the rise of the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot in 1975. The regime’s radical agrarian reforms and purges resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million people through execution, starvation, and forced labour.
Vietnam’s 1978 invasion ended the genocide but ushered in a decade-long occupation and civil conflict. The 1991 Paris Peace Agreements laid the foundation for democratic elections in 1993 and the restoration of the monarchy. However, political stability remained fragile. Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) consolidated power following a 1997 coup and has dominated national politics since. In 2023, Hun Sen’s son, Hun Manet, became prime minister, while his father retained influence as CPP President and Senate leader. Despite economic growth, Cambodia’s political climate remains constrained by limited freedoms and entrenched corruption.

Geography and Environment

Covering 181,035 square kilometres, Cambodia’s terrain is largely composed of low-lying alluvial plains surrounded by mountain ranges to the north and southwest. The country’s highest point is Phnum Aoral (1,810 metres). The Mekong River and Tonle Sap Lake define the landscape, sustaining agriculture and fisheries that support millions of livelihoods. Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, expands dramatically during the monsoon season—from about 2,700 sq km to 16,000 sq km.
Cambodia’s tropical monsoon climate features a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The nation’s natural resources include oil, gas, timber, gemstones, and phosphates, alongside vast arable lands. However, deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss present ongoing environmental challenges. Cambodia is a signatory to several major international environmental accords, including the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Demography and Society

As of 2024, Cambodia’s population stood at approximately 17.06 million, with a median age of 27.9 years, reflecting a youthful demographic. Around 96% of citizens identify as Khmer, while minority groups include Cham Muslims, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities.
The official language is Khmer, spoken by the vast majority of the population. Theravada Buddhism, practised by about 97% of Cambodians, forms the spiritual and cultural foundation of national life. Urbanisation remains limited at 25.6%, with Phnom Penh, the capital, housing over 2.2 million people.
Key social indicators demonstrate gradual progress:

• Life expectancy: 71.4 years
• Infant mortality: 27.9 deaths per 1,000 births
• Literacy rate: 71.9% (male 81.5%, female 63.6%)
• Education expenditure: 3% of GDP
• Access to improved drinking water: 78%

Despite these gains, rural poverty persists, compounded by limited access to healthcare and education. Malnutrition remains widespread, with 16.3% of children under five underweight, and maternal mortality at 137 deaths per 100,000 live births continues to challenge public health efforts.

Government and Politics

Cambodia operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. King Norodom Sihamoni serves as head of state, while Prime Minister Hun Manet leads the government. The bicameral Parliament consists of the National Assembly (125 seats) and the Senate (62 seats). The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) dominates the political landscape, holding 120 of 125 National Assembly seats after the 2023 elections, in which the main opposition Candlelight Party was barred from participation.
Although the 1993 Constitution guarantees multiparty democracy, human rights, and constitutional monarchy, governance remains highly centralised. The judiciary, influenced by French civil law and traditional customs, is formally independent but widely regarded as politicised.
Cambodia is an active member of the United Nations, ASEAN, and the World Trade Organization, maintaining strong diplomatic ties with China, its largest investor and political patron.

Economic Structure

Cambodia’s economy is classified as lower-middle income and is among the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia. In 2024, GDP (PPP) was estimated at $123.7 billion, with a 6% annual growth rate, and nominal GDP at $46.3 billion.
Economic composition (2024):

• Agriculture: 16.6%
• Industry: 41.8%
• Services: 35.6%

Major industries include garment manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and tourism. Key exports—garments, footwear, semiconductors, and gold—are directed mainly to the United States, Germany, China, Japan, and Thailand. Imports largely comprise petroleum, textiles, and plastics, with China providing nearly 40% of imports. Remittances from Cambodian workers abroad contribute around 6% of GDP.
Economic growth has been supported by Chinese investment in infrastructure, hydropower, and real estate, though this reliance raises concerns over debt sustainability and environmental strain.

Infrastructure and Energy

Infrastructure development has progressed steadily through regional initiatives and international aid. By 2022, 92% of the population had access to electricity. Energy generation is derived from fossil fuels (55%), hydropower (39%), and solar power (6%).
Cambodia’s transport network includes 12 airports, restored railway links, and seaports at Sihanoukville and Phsar Ream. Telecommunications coverage is widespread, with 19.5 million mobile subscriptions, though fixed broadband remains limited. Internet penetration reached 61% in 2023, reflecting rapid digital integration.

Defence and Security

The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Gendarmerie, with around 200,000 personnel. Defence spending accounted for 1.5% of GDP in 2024. Military equipment primarily originates from China and Russia, with China serving as Cambodia’s principal defence partner.
The country participates in UN peacekeeping missions, deploying forces to Lebanon and the Central African Republic. Ongoing border tensions with Thailand underscore Cambodia’s security vulnerabilities. Plans to enforce national conscription in 2026 aim to strengthen military capacity.

Culture and National Identity

Cambodia’s national identity is deeply rooted in Khmer traditions and Theravada Buddhism. The national flag uniquely depicts Angkor Wat, symbolising cultural pride and historical continuity. The national anthem, “Nokoreach”, first adopted in 1941 and reinstated in 1993, reflects royal and religious themes.