Country Profile: Cambodia
Cambodia, located in Southeastern Asia, is bordered by the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. The country is home to approximately 17.2 million people, primarily of Khmer descent, and is characterized by a tropical climate with low, flat plains and mountain ranges. The economy is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, driven by tourism, garment manufacturing, and agricultural exports, though it faces challenges such as significant public debt and political constraints. Governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, Cambodia's political landscape has seen a concentration of power within the Cambodian People's Party amid ongoing concerns about democratic practices and civil liberties.
Geography
Cambodia spans an area of 181,035 sq km, featuring predominantly low, flat plains with some mountainous regions in the southwest and north. The country experiences a tropical climate with a rainy monsoon season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. Significant geographical features include the Mekong River and Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.
- 2,530 km total land boundaries with Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- 443 km of coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.
- Highest point at 1,810 m (Phnum Aoral) and a lowest point at sea level.
People and Society
Cambodia's estimated population is 17,230,333 as of 2025, with a youthful demographic where 28.9% are aged 0-14 years. The primary ethnic group is Khmer, constituting 95.4%, while Buddhism is the dominant religion, practiced by 97.1% of the population. The country has a literacy rate of 71.9%, with notable gender disparities in education levels.
- 2.281 million people live in the capital, Phnom Penh.
- 65.8% of the population is aged between 15 and 64 years.
- Net migration rate of -2.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population.
Economy
Cambodia's economy is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, with Real GDP (PPP) projected to reach $123.676 billion in 2024. The economy is marked by substantial contributions from tourism and garment exports, although it grapples with high public debt. Agriculture, manufacturing, and construction are significant sectors contributing to economic growth.
- GDP per capita estimated at $7,000 in 2024.
- 41.8% of GDP is from industry, while 16.6% comes from agriculture.
- Unemployment rate stands at 0.3% as of 2024.
Government
Cambodia operates as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, with the Prime Minister as the head of government and a king as the head of state. Following elections, the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) has maintained power, facing criticism for its approach to civil liberties and press freedom. The most recent parliamentary elections were held on July 23, 2023.
- 125 seats in the National Assembly with a majority held by CPP.
- Constitutional monarchy established in 1993.
- Age for suffrage is 18 years.
Military and Security
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) encompasses the army, navy, air force, and gendarmerie. With military expenditures around 1.5% of GDP, the RCAF is primarily equipped with older Chinese and Russian military equipment. The military also plays a role in internal security and border control.
- Estimated 200,000 personnel in the armed forces (2025).
- Military service age and obligation starts at 18 years.
- Deployed 340 personnel for international peacekeeping (Central African Republic, 2025).
Energy
Cambodia's energy landscape is evolving, with electricity access at 92.3% of the total population as of 2022. The country generates electricity primarily through fossil fuels, hydroelectricity, and solar power.
- Installed electricity generating capacity of 3.673 million kW.
- Electricity consumption reached 16.998 billion kWh in 2023.
- 55.5% of electricity generation capacity comes from fossil fuels.
Environment
Environmental challenges in Cambodia include habitat loss, deforestation, and limited access to potable water, particularly in rural areas. The country has ratified several international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity issues.
- 39.4% of land is forested as of 2023.
- Total renewable water resources estimated at 476.1 billion cubic meters.
- Carbon dioxide emissions reached 18.779 million metric tonnes in 2023.
Transportation
Cambodia's transportation infrastructure includes a limited railway system and several airports, with 12 total airports. The country has a developing road network and is working to improve its maritime ports.
- 642 km of railways, primarily narrow gauge and currently under restoration.
- 195 vessels in the merchant marine fleet (2023).
- Only 2 major ports, with significant activity at Kampong Saom.
Communications
Cambodia has a growing telecommunications sector with 20.5 million mobile subscriptions, reflecting increased access to mobile technology. Internet usage is also expanding, though challenges remain in fixed broadband availability.
- 61% of the population are internet users as of 2023.
- 29,100 fixed-line subscriptions (2024 est.).
- 510,000 fixed broadband subscriptions (2022 est.).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,230,333 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 181,035 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $123.676 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 0.3% | 2024 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 17.74 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 71.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Energy Consumption per Capita | 15.664 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 71.9% | 2021 estimate |
| Military Expenditure | 1.5% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Urban Population | 25.6% | 2023 estimate |
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