Your complete guide to the Kingdom of Cambodia – culture, heritage, economy, and practical travel information.
⚡ Quick Facts
Capital
Phnom Penh
Official Language
Khmer (ភាសាខ្មែរ)
Currency
Cambodian Riel (KHR) & US Dollar (USD) widely accepted
Time Zone
UTC +7 (Indochina Time)
Calling Code
+855
Population
~17 million (2026 est.)
🌍 Geography & Climate
Cambodia is located in mainland Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand. The country features the Tonlé Sap lake and river system, the Mekong River, and the Cardamom Mountains. The highest peak is Phnom Aural (1,813 m).
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons: the rainy season (May–October) and the dry season (November–April). The best time to visit is from November to February when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. → Best time to visit
🌿 National Symbols
National Animal
Kouprey (wild forest ox) – critically endangered
National Bird
Giant Ibis (ត្រយ៉ង) – critically endangered
National Flower
Rumduol (រំដួល) – fragrant white flower
National Tree
Sugar Palm (ត្នោត) – symbol of resilience and prosperity
🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Cambodia is home to several UNESCO‑listed sites that reflect its rich cultural and natural heritage. The government is also actively working to add more sites to the prestigious list.
🏯 Angkor Archaeological Park
Inscribed: 1992. The iconic temple complex, including Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure. → Plan your visit
⛰️ Temple of Preah Vihear
Inscribed: 2008. A stunning mountaintop temple with panoramic views, dating from the 11th–12th centuries.
🏛️ Sambor Prei Kuk
Inscribed: 2017. A pre‑Angkorian temple complex in Kampong Thom province, dating from the Chenla Empire.
🗿 Koh Ker
Inscribed: 2023. The capital of the Khmer Empire under King Jayavarman IV, featuring the seven‑tiered Prasat Thom pyramid.
🕊️ Cambodian Memorial Sites (Places of Memory)
Inscribed: 2025. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre, and former M‑13 prison. Sites of remembrance and peace education.
Upcoming nominations: Cambodia is also preparing to submit the ancient temples of Phnom Da and Angkor Borei in Takeo province, as well as the traditional Khmer Songkran (New Year) celebration for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.
🏆 Guinness World Records
Cambodia has earned numerous Guinness World Records, showcasing the Kingdom’s unique culture, achievements, and spirit of innovation.
🏯 Largest Religious Structure
Angkor Wat – the world’s largest religious monument (402 acres).
❤️ Largest Display of Origami Hearts
3,917,805 hearts displayed at Angkor Wat by 10,000 volunteers in 2023.
🏎️ Largest Display of Supercars/Hypercars
179 supercars displayed in front of Angkor Wat (2024).
🐀 Most Landmines Detected by a Rat
Ronin, an African giant pouched rat, detected 109 landmines in Preah Vihear province (2025).
🎭 Longest Circus Show
24 hours, 10 minutes, 30 seconds – achieved by Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang.
🔤 Longest Alphabet
The Khmer language has 74 letters – the longest alphabet in the world.
👑 Most State Roles by a Monarch
King Norodom Sihanouk (1922–2012) served in the highest number of state positions.
🏡 Highest Home Ownership Rate
95.3% of households are owner‑occupied – a world record held since 1998.
📈 Economy & Investment
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest‑growing economies, with GDP growth forecast at 4.5% in 2026. Key sectors include garments and footwear (GFT), agriculture (rice, rubber, cashews), construction, and tourism. The country has signed free trade agreements with China, South Korea, and is a member of RCEP. → FDI trends | Start a business
Major exports: garments, footwear, travel goods (GFT), rice, rubber, cashew nuts, and bicycles. Top export partners: United States, Vietnam, Japan, China, and Spain. The government offers investment incentives through the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC). → Major export products
✈️ Tourism & Culture
Cambodia offers world‑class cultural and nature experiences. The Angkor Archaeological Park is the country’s top attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. Other popular destinations include Phnom Penh (Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum), Siem Reap, the coastal city of Sihanoukville, and the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem.
Traditional Khmer culture is rich with classical dance (Apsara), shadow puppetry (Sbek Thom), and the epic poem Reamker. Major festivals include Khmer New Year (mid‑April), Pchum Ben (ancestors’ day), and the Water Festival (Bon Om Touk). Cambodian cuisine features dishes like Fish Amok, Lok Lak, and Khmer noodles. → Best street food
📜 History (Brief)
Cambodia’s history spans millennia, from the Funan and Chenla kingdoms to the powerful Khmer Empire (9th–15th centuries), which built Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. After the empire’s decline, Cambodia entered a period of regional dominance by Siam and Vietnam, followed by French colonial rule (1863–1953). Independence was achieved in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk.
The post‑independence period was marked by the Cambodian Civil War, the rise of the Khmer Rouge (1975–1979), and the Vietnamese occupation. Peace was finally restored under the Paris Peace Accords (1991). Today, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a stable political environment and a rapidly growing economy.
🏛️ Government & Politics
Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni as Head of State. The government is led by the Prime Minister, currently Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet. The ruling party is the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP). The country is divided into 25 provinces and the capital, Phnom Penh.
🧳 Practical Info for Travelers
🛂 Visa
Most nationalities require a visa. Options: e‑Visa ($36), Visa on Arrival ($30), or visa‑free for ASEAN nationals. → Full visa guide
💵 Currency & Payments
USD widely accepted, but use small bills. Cambodian Riel (KHR) is used for small transactions. Cards accepted in major hotels and restaurants. → Travel cost guide
🚗 Getting Around
Use PassApp or Grab for tuk‑tuk and taxi rides. Domestic flights connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Buses and ferries are available for intercity travel. → Tuk‑Tuk Fare Estimator
📶 SIM Cards & Internet
Cheap SIM cards are available at airports and shops. Major providers: Smart, Metfone, Cellcard. 4G coverage is widespread in cities and tourist areas.