Cambodia
Kingdom of Cambodia
East and Southeast Asia Phnom Penh
Population
17.23M
Area
181,035 km²
GDP
$46.35B
GDP Per Capita
$7,000
Pop. Density
95/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
៛Cambodian riel(KHR)
Calling Code
+855
Timezone
UTC+07:00
Languages
Khmer
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Cambodian
Background
Most Cambodians consider themselves to be Khmers, descendants of the Angkor Empire that extended over much of Southeast Asia and reached its zenith between the 10th and 13th centuries. Attacks by the Thai and Cham (from present-day Vietnam) weakened the empire, ushering in a long period of decline. The king placed the country under French protection in 1863, and it became part of French Indochina in 1887. Following Japanese occupation in World War II, Cambodia gained full independence from France in 1953. In 1975, after a seven-year struggle, communist Khmer Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh and evacuated all cities and towns. At least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution, forced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer Rouge regime under POL POT. A 1978 Vietnamese invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside, began a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched off 13 years of internecine warfare in which a coalition of Khmer Rouge, Cambodian nationalists, and royalist insurgents, with assistance from China, fought the Vietnamese-backed People’s Republic of Kampuchea (PRK).
The 1991 Paris Agreements ended the country’s civil war and mandated democratic elections, which took place in 1993 and ushered in a period of multi-party democracy with a constitutional monarchy. King Norodom SIHANOUK was reinstated as head of state, and the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the royalist FUNCINPEC party formed a coalition government. Nevertheless, the power-sharing arrangement proved fractious and fragile, and in 1997, a coup led by CPP leader and former PRK prime minister HUN SEN dissolved the coalition and sidelined FUNCINPEC. Despite further attempts at coalition governance, the CPP has since remained in power through elections criticized for lacking fairness, political and judicial corruption, media control, and influence over labor unions, all of which have been enforced with violence and intimidation. HUN SEN remained as prime minister until 2023, when he transferred power to his son, HUN MANET. HUN SEN has subsequently maintained considerable influence as the leader of the CPP and the Senate. The CPP has also placed limits on civil society, press freedom, and freedom of expression. Despite some economic growth and considerable investment from China over the past decade, Cambodia remains one of East Asia's poorest countries.
The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in 1999. A UN-backed special tribunal established in Cambodia in 1997 tried some of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders for crimes against humanity and genocide. The tribunal concluded in 2022 with three convictions.
The 1991 Paris Agreements ended the country’s civil war and mandated democratic elections, which took place in 1993 and ushered in a period of multi-party democracy with a constitutional monarchy. King Norodom SIHANOUK was reinstated as head of state, and the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the royalist FUNCINPEC party formed a coalition government. Nevertheless, the power-sharing arrangement proved fractious and fragile, and in 1997, a coup led by CPP leader and former PRK prime minister HUN SEN dissolved the coalition and sidelined FUNCINPEC. Despite further attempts at coalition governance, the CPP has since remained in power through elections criticized for lacking fairness, political and judicial corruption, media control, and influence over labor unions, all of which have been enforced with violence and intimidation. HUN SEN remained as prime minister until 2023, when he transferred power to his son, HUN MANET. HUN SEN has subsequently maintained considerable influence as the leader of the CPP and the Senate. The CPP has also placed limits on civil society, press freedom, and freedom of expression. Despite some economic growth and considerable investment from China over the past decade, Cambodia remains one of East Asia's poorest countries.
The remaining elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in 1999. A UN-backed special tribunal established in Cambodia in 1997 tried some of the surviving Khmer Rouge leaders for crimes against humanity and genocide. The tribunal concluded in 2022 with three convictions.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑455.1% since 2006$8B (2006)$46B (2024)
Population
↑29.3% since 200613.6M (2006)17.6M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 70.7 years2006: 64.9 years2023: 70.7 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography20
Location
Southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos
Geographic coordinates
13 00 N, 105 00 E
Map references
Southeast Asia
Area
total : 181,035 sq km
land: 176,515 sq km
water: 4,520 sq km
land: 176,515 sq km
water: 4,520 sq km
Area - comparative
1.5 times the size of Pennsylvania; slightly smaller than Oklahoma
Land boundaries
total: 2,530 km
border countries: Laos 555 km; Thailand 817 km; Vietnam 1158 km
border countries: Laos 555 km; Thailand 817 km; Vietnam 1158 km
Coastline
443 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; rainy, monsoon season (May to November); dry season (December to April); little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain
mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north
Elevation
highest point: Phnum Aoral 1,810 m
lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
mean elevation: 126 m
lowest point: Gulf of Thailand 0 m
mean elevation: 126 m
Natural resources
oil and gas, timber, gemstones, iron ore, manganese, phosphates, hydropower potential, arable land
Land use
agricultural land
34.9% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 23.3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 3% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 8.5% (2023 est.)
forest
39.4% (2023 est.)
other
25.8% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
3,540 sq km (2012)
Major lakes (area sq km)
fresh water lake(s): Tonle Sap - 2,700-16,000 sq km
Major rivers (by length in km)
Mekong (shared with China [s], Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam [m]) - 4,350 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major watersheds (area sq km)
Pacific Ocean drainage: Mekong (805,604 sq km)
Population distribution
population concentrated in the southeast, particularly in and around the capital of Phnom Penh; further distribution is linked closely to the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers
Natural hazards
monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts
Geography - note
a land of paddies and forests dominated by the Mekong River and Tonle Sap (Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake)
People & Society36
Population
total: 17,230,333 (2025 est.)
male: 8,362,224
female: 8,868,109
male: 8,362,224
female: 8,868,109
Nationality
noun: Cambodian(s)
adjective: Cambodian
adjective: Cambodian
Ethnic groups
Khmer 95.4%, Cham 2.4%, Chinese 1.5%, other 0.7% (2019-20 est.)
Languages
Languages: Khmer (official) 95.8%, minority languages 2.9%, Chinese 0.6%, Vietnamese 0.5%, other 0.2% (2019 est.)
major-language sample(s):
សៀវភៅហេតុការណនៅលើពិភពលោក។ ទីតាំងពត៏មានមូលដានគ្រឹះយាងសំខាន់។. (Khmer)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
សៀវភៅហេតុការណនៅលើពិភពលោក។ ទីតាំងពត៏មានមូលដានគ្រឹះយាងសំខាន់។. (Khmer)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Buddhist (official) 97.1%, Muslim 2%, Christian 0.3%, other 0.5% (2019 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 28.9% (male 2,497,056/female 2,436,618)
15-64 years: 65.8% (male 5,456,941/female 5,765,206)
65 years and over: 5.3% (2024 est.) (male 323,591/female 584,257)
15-64 years: 65.8% (male 5,456,941/female 5,765,206)
65 years and over: 5.3% (2024 est.) (male 323,591/female 584,257)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 51.2 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 42.9 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.4 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.9 (2025 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 42.9 (2025 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 8.4 (2025 est.)
potential support ratio: 11.9 (2025 est.)
Median age
total: 28.3 years (2025 est.)
male: 26.9 years
female: 28.9 years
male: 26.9 years
female: 28.9 years
Population growth rate
0.95% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
17.74 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.62 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-2.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
population concentrated in the southeast, particularly in and around the capital of Phnom Penh; further distribution is linked closely to the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers
Urbanization
urban population: 25.6% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 3.06% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
2.281 million PHNOM PENH (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.55 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.95 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.55 male(s)/female
total population: 0.94 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
23.3 years (2021-22 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
137 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 27.2 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 31.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 24.4 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 31.3 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 24.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 71.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 69.6 years
female: 73.3 years
male: 69.6 years
female: 73.3 years
Total fertility rate
2.14 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.05 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 93.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 72.8% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 78% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 6.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 27.2% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 22% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 7.5% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.21 physicians/1,000 population (2019)
Hospital bed density
0.7 beds/1,000 population (2018 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 79.6% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 84.7% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 20.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 15.3% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
3.9% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 4.56 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 4.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 4.12 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.03 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.41 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 14.5% (2025 est.)
male: 24.9% (2025 est.)
female: 4.7% (2025 est.)
male: 24.9% (2025 est.)
female: 4.7% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
16.3% (2021 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
67.2% (2022 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 1.9% (2022)
women married by age 18: 17.9% (2022)
men married by age 18: 3.3% (2022)
women married by age 18: 17.9% (2022)
men married by age 18: 3.3% (2022)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 2.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 11.6% national budget (2025 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 11.6% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy
total population: 71.9% (2021 est.)
male: 81.5% (2021 est.)
female: 63.6% (2021 est.)
male: 81.5% (2021 est.)
female: 63.6% (2021 est.)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 11 years (2023 est.)
male: 11 years (2023 est.)
female: 11 years (2023 est.)
Government26
Country name
conventional long form
Kingdom of Cambodia
conventional short form
Cambodia
local long form
Preahreacheanachakr Kampuchea (phonetic transliteration)
local short form
Kampuchea
former
Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic of Kampuchea, State of Cambodia
etymology
the name is derived from Kambu, a legendary ancestor of the Cambodian people
Government type
parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital
name: Phnom Penh
geographic coordinates: 11 33 N, 104 55 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name means "mountain of plenty," from the Cambodian words phnom (mountain or hill) and penh (full)
geographic coordinates: 11 33 N, 104 55 E
time difference: UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name means "mountain of plenty," from the Cambodian words phnom (mountain or hill) and penh (full)
Administrative divisions
24 provinces (khett, singular and plural) and 1 municipality (krong, singular and plural)
provinces: Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Kandal, Kep, Koh Kong, Kratie, Mondolkiri, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, Preah Sihanouk, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Pursat, Ratanakiri, Siem Reap, Stung Treng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Tbong Khmum
municipalities: Phnom Penh (Phnum Penh)
provinces: Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom, Kampot, Kandal, Kep, Koh Kong, Kratie, Mondolkiri, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, Preah Sihanouk, Preah Vihear, Prey Veng, Pursat, Ratanakiri, Siem Reap, Stung Treng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Tbong Khmum
municipalities: Phnom Penh (Phnum Penh)
Legal system
civil law system (influenced by the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia), customary law, Communist legal theory, and common law
Constitution
history: previous 1947; latest promulgated 21 September 1993
amendment process: proposed by the monarch, by the prime minister, or by the president of the National Assembly if supported by one fourth of the Assembly membership; passage requires two-thirds majority of the Assembly membership; constitutional articles on the multiparty democratic form of government and the monarchy cannot be amended
amendment process: proposed by the monarch, by the prime minister, or by the president of the National Assembly if supported by one fourth of the Assembly membership; passage requires two-thirds majority of the Assembly membership; constitutional articles on the multiparty democratic form of government and the monarchy cannot be amended
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Cambodia
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Cambodia
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 7 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October 2004)
head of government: Prime Minister HUN MANET (since 22 August 2023)
cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: monarch chosen by the 9-member Royal Council of the Throne from among all eligible males of royal descent; after legislative elections, a member of the majority party or majority coalition is named prime minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by the monarch
head of government: Prime Minister HUN MANET (since 22 August 2023)
cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: monarch chosen by the 9-member Royal Council of the Throne from among all eligible males of royal descent; after legislative elections, a member of the majority party or majority coalition is named prime minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by the monarch
Legislative branch
legislature name: Parliament
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name
National Assembly (Radhsphea Ney Preah Recheanachakr Kampuchea)
number of seats
125 (all directly elected)
electoral system
proportional representation
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
7/23/2023
parties elected and seats per party
Cambodian People's Party (CPP) (120); United National Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Co-operative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC) (5)
percentage of women in chamber
13.6%
expected date of next election
July 2028
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name
Senate
number of seats
62 (60 indirectly elected; 2 appointed)
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
6 years
most recent election date
2/25/2024
percentage of women in chamber
19.4%
expected date of next election
February 2030
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Council (organized into 5- and 9-judge panels and includes a court chief and deputy chief); Constitutional Court (consists of 9 members)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Council judge candidates recommended by the Supreme Council of Magistracy, a 17-member body chaired by the monarch and includes other high-level judicial officers; judges of both courts appointed by the monarch; Supreme Court judges appointed for life; Constitutional Council judges appointed for 9-year terms with one third of the court renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: Appellate Court; provincial and municipal courts; Military Court
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court and Constitutional Council judge candidates recommended by the Supreme Council of Magistracy, a 17-member body chaired by the monarch and includes other high-level judicial officers; judges of both courts appointed by the monarch; Supreme Court judges appointed for life; Constitutional Council judges appointed for 9-year terms with one third of the court renewed every 3 years
subordinate courts: Appellate Court; provincial and municipal courts; Military Court
Political parties
Cambodian People's Party (CPP)
United National Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Co-operative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC)
United National Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Co-operative Cambodia (FUNCINPEC)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Koy KUONG (since 11 June 2025)
chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742
FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381
email address and website:
camemb.usa@mfaic.gov.kh
https://www.embassyofcambodiadc.org/
chancery: 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 726-7742
FAX: [1] (202) 726-8381
email address and website:
camemb.usa@mfaic.gov.kh
https://www.embassyofcambodiadc.org/
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Bridgette L. WALKER (since August 2024)
embassy
#1, Street 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh
mailing address
4540 Phnom Penh Place, Washington DC 20521-4540
telephone
[855] (23) 728-000
FAX
[855] (23) 728-700
email address and website
ACSPhnomPenh@state.gov
https://kh.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ADB, ARF, ASEAN, CICA, EAS, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITU, MIGA, NAM, OIF, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNISFA, UNMISS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
9 November 1953 (from France)
National holiday
Independence Day, 9 November (1953)
Flag
description: three horizontal bands of blue (top), red (double-width), and blue; a three-towered, stylized white temple outlined in black is in the center of the red band, representing Angkor Wat
meaning: red and blue are traditional Cambodian colors
meaning: red and blue are traditional Cambodian colors
National symbol(s)
Angkor Wat temple, kouprey (wild ox)
National color(s)
red, blue
National coat of arms
Cambodia’s coat of arms is also the Royal Arms of Cambodia; the lions symbolize strength, courage, and the divine protection of the monarchs; the lion on the left is a gajasingha (a lion with an elephant’s trunk), and the lion on the right is a rajasingha (royal lion); both hold five-tiered umbrellas representing the king and queen, and they stand on a blue ribbon that says “Preah Chao Krung Kampuche”' (King of the Kingdom of Cambodia); between the lions is a crown with the Unalome, the Buddhist and Hindu symbol for the spiritual path to enlightenment, under it and a ray of light on top
National anthem(s)
title: "Nokoreach" (Royal Kingdom)
lyrics/music: CHUON NAT/F. PERRUCHOT and J. JEKYLL
history: adopted 1941, restored 1993; the anthem, based on a Cambodian folk tune, was restored after the defeat of the Communist regime
lyrics/music: CHUON NAT/F. PERRUCHOT and J. JEKYLL
history: adopted 1941, restored 1993; the anthem, based on a Cambodian folk tune, was restored after the defeat of the Communist regime
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 5 (all cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Angkor; Temple of Preah Vihear; Sambor Prei Kuk; Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapora or Chok Gargyar; Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection (c)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Angkor; Temple of Preah Vihear; Sambor Prei Kuk; Koh Ker: Archaeological Site of Ancient Lingapora or Chok Gargyar; Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection (c)
Economy29
Economic overview
one of the fastest growing Southeast Asian economies; rebounding tourism and clothing exports; substantial manufacturing and construction sectors; new trade agreements expanding agricultural markets; significant public debt; investing in new ports and roads
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $123.676 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $116.658 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $111.095 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $116.658 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $111.095 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 6% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 5.1% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 5% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 5.1% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $7,000 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,500 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $6,700 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $6,500 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$46.353 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 2.1% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 5.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021: 2.9% (2021 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 5.3% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2021: 2.9% (2021 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 16.6% (2024 est.)
industry: 41.8% (2024 est.)
services: 35.6% (2024 est.)
industry: 41.8% (2024 est.)
services: 35.6% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
59.8% (2024 est.)
government consumption
5.8% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
31.6% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0.6% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
71.4% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-72.1% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
cassava, rice, maize, sugarcane, vegetables, oil palm fruit, rubber, bananas, jute, pork (2023)
Industries
tourism, garments, construction, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles
Industrial production growth rate
9.5% (2024 est.)
Labor force
9.904 million (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 0.3% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 0.3% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 0.3% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 0.3% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 0.8% (2024 est.)
male: 0.7% (2024 est.)
female: 0.9% (2024 est.)
male: 0.7% (2024 est.)
female: 0.9% (2024 est.)
Average household expenditures
on food: 40.7% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 1.9% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 6.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 6.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 6.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 6.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 6.5% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $7.076 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $8.285 billion (2023 est.)
expenditures: $8.285 billion (2023 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2023: 50.3% of GDP (2023 est.)
Taxes and other revenues
12.2% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $222.108 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $552.346 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$7.582 billion (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $552.346 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$7.582 billion (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $31.712 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $27.753 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $25.497 billion (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $27.753 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $25.497 billion (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
USA 36%, Germany 6%, China 6%, Japan 6%, Thailand 5% (2023)
Exports - commodities
garments, semiconductors, trunks and cases, footwear, gold (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $34.329 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $29.421 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $34.759 billion (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $29.421 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $34.759 billion (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
China 39%, Thailand 20%, Vietnam 12%, Singapore 6%, Indonesia 3% (2023)
Imports - commodities
refined petroleum, fabric, gold, plastic products, synthetic fabric (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $22.506 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $19.984 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $17.801 billion (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $19.984 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $17.801 billion (2022 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $8.019 billion (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
riels (KHR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024
4,072.397 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023
4,110.653 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
4,102.038 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
4,098.723 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
4,092.783 (2020 est.)
Energy6
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 92.3% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 99%
electrification - rural areas: 88%
electrification - urban areas: 99%
electrification - rural areas: 88%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 3.673 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 16.998 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 5.096 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.882 billion kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 16.998 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 5.096 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.882 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 55.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 5.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 38.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 5.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity: 38.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste: 0.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
production: 27,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 4.39 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 4.36 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption: 4.39 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 4.36 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 77,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 15.664 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 29,100 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2024 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2024 est.) less than 1
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 20.5 million (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 116 (2024 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 116 (2024 est.)
Broadcast media
mix of state-owned, joint public-private, and privately owned broadcast media; 27 TV stations, with most operating on multiple channels, including 1 state-operated station with multiple locations and 11 stations either jointly operated or privately owned, some with several locations; multi-channel cable and satellite systems; 84 radio stations, including 1 state-owned broadcaster with multiple stations and a mix of public and private broadcasters; one international broadcaster is available, as well as one TV station that is jointly run by China and the Ministry of Interior; several TV and radio operators broadcast online only (often via Facebook) (2019)
Internet country code
.kh
Internet users
percent of population: 61% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 510,000 (2022 est.) Slowly increase as focus is on mobile internet
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 3 (2022 est.)
Transportation6
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
XU
Airports
12 (2025)
Heliports
1 (2025)
Railways
total: 642 km (2014)
narrow gauge: 642 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
narrow gauge: 642 km (2014) 1.000-m gauge
Merchant marine
total: 195 (2023)
by type: container ship 2, general cargo 123, oil tanker 18, other 52
by type: container ship 2, general cargo 123, oil tanker 18, other 52
Ports
total ports
2 (2024)
large
0
medium
1
small
0
very small
1
ports with oil terminals
1
key ports
Kampong Saom, Phsar Ream
Military & Security7
Military and security forces
Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF): Royal Cambodian Army, Royal Khmer Navy, Royal Cambodian Air Force, Royal Gendarmerie (Military Police); National Committee for Maritime Security (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 1.5% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 1.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 2.1% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 2.3% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 2.3% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies; estimated 200,000 Armed Forces, including Gendarmerie (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the RCAF is armed largely with older Chinese and Russian/Soviet origin armaments; in recent years it has received limited amounts of more modern equipment from several suppliers, particularly China (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18 is the legal minimum age for military service for men and women (2025)
Military deployments
340 Central African Republic (MINUSCA); 180 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2025)
Military - note
the primary responsibilities of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) are border, coastal, and internal security; key security partners include China and Vietnam; in July 2025, following months of rising tensions, the RCAF and the military forces of Thailand clashed in multiple locations along their disputed border; both sides blamed the other for provoking the five-day conflict, which included cross-border artillery shelling by both sides and air attacks by RTARF fighter aircraft and drones
the RCAF was re-established in 1993 under the first coalition government from the merger of the Cambodian Government’s military forces (Cambodian People’s Armed Forces) and the two non-communist resistance forces (Sihanoukist National Army, aka National Army for Khmer Independence, and the Khmer People's National Liberation Armed Forces); thousands of communist Khmer Rouge fighters began surrendering by 1994 under a government amnesty program and the last of the Khmer Rouge forces (National Army of Democratic Kampuchea) were demobilized or absorbed into the RCAF in 1999 (2025)
the RCAF was re-established in 1993 under the first coalition government from the merger of the Cambodian Government’s military forces (Cambodian People’s Armed Forces) and the two non-communist resistance forces (Sihanoukist National Army, aka National Army for Khmer Independence, and the Khmer People's National Liberation Armed Forces); thousands of communist Khmer Rouge fighters began surrendering by 1994 under a government amnesty program and the last of the Khmer Rouge forces (National Army of Democratic Kampuchea) were demobilized or absorbed into the RCAF in 1999 (2025)
Transnational Issues2
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 28 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 2,526 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 75,000 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 2,526 (2024 est.)
stateless persons: 75,000 (2024 est.)
Trafficking in persons
tier rating: Tier 3 — Cambodia does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so, therefore, Cambodia remained on Tier 3; for more details, go to: https://www.state.gov/reports/2025-trafficking-in-persons-report/cambodia/