Cambodia
Cambodia is located on the Indochinese mainland of Southeast Asia, bordered to the west & northwest by Thailand, northeast of Laos and east & southeast by Vietnam
Cambodia is located on the Indochinese mainland of Southeast Asia, bordered to the west & northwest by Thailand, northeast of Laos and east & southeast by Vietnam
Overview
Official Name
Kingdom of Cambodia
Capital
Phnom Penh
Independence Day
9 November 1953
Population, Territory and Currency
16,486,542 (2019)
181,035 square km Riel (KHR)
Price per meal: ~ ៛19,285 (SGD$6.40)
Demographics
69.4 Life expectancy
Source: World Health Organisation (2019)
24.2% Urban population
Source: United Nations (2019)
48.8% Of the population are male
Source: World Bank (2019)
17.9% Are youths aged 15-24
Source: United Nations (2019)
The Flag
The flag of Cambodia comprises of 3 horizontal bands of blue, red, blue, representing the bravery of the nation, liberty, cooperation and brotherhood. The Angkor Wat symbolises justice, heritage and integrity. Combined, these elements represents the nation’s religion, the King and its people.
Key Historical Events
1863
The French Protectorate, colonial rule.
1941
World War II.
1953
Independence under King Sihanouk, Kingdom of Cambodia.
1975
Khmer Rouge occupies Phnom Penh, Cambodia “Year Zero”.
1985
Guerilla warfare in Cambodia.
1989
Country renamed the State of Cambodia. Buddhism re-established as state religion.
1993
Monarchy re-established with Sihanouk as king. Re-named the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Economic Profile
Cambodia has achieved high economic growth and poverty reduction in the last two decades, mainly driven by the garment exports and tourism industries. Despite that, challenges still lie ahead as the country aspires toward a more competitive economy, as well as increasing productivity, building strong and effective institutions and expanding opportunities for all Cambodians.
SGP X KHM: Given the relatively small market size of 16 million and evolving business landscape, SMEs tend to be nimbler in identifying the niche opportunities and navigating the Cambodian market. There is much potential for Singapore SMEs to contribute to Cambodia’s growth and development, especially in the areas of agriculture, education, healthcare and tourism.
Industry
Textile
Cambodia’s major and greatest source of hard currency is its textile industry.
Exports
Cambodia export products such as clothing, timber, rubber, rice, fish, tobacco and footwear.
Tourism
Tourism has become an important source of revenue. and the fastest-growing segment of the economy.
Places of Interest
Bayon Temple
Built late 12th century
The Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer temple. It’s most distinctive feature is the multitude of serene and smiling stone faces which jut out from the upper terrace and cluster around its central peak.
Angkor Wat
City of temples
The largest religious monument in the world, this temple complex was built in early 12th century. It displays the classical style of Khmer architecture and remains a prime attraction for visitors.
Local Food
Fish Amok
Cambodia’s signature dish, comprising creamy curry, diced fish fillet in egg, fish sauce and palm sugar.
Kuy Teav
A popular street food. Noodle soup made from pork or beef bones and rice vermicelli, with pork/fish balls added.
Beef Loc Lac
This dish consists of stir-fried beef strips atop lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, raw onions with a lime juice & pepper dip.
