Cambodia today

The total population of Cambodia is approximately 12,5 million (2002 est.). The total area is 181,040 sq. km. The capital is Phnom Penh, with a population of approximately one million. The city is located on a connection-point of two rivers Mekong and Tonle Sap. Mekong is the largest river of Cambodia.

Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia. Neighbouring countries are Thailand in west and north, Laos in north and Vietnam in east.

The climate is tropical. There are two seasons: the rainy monsoon season from mid May to the end of October and the dry season from November to mid May.

Economy

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia. 85% of the population lives in rural areas. Main export commodities are garments, timber, rice, and rubber. Cambodia´s official development assistance equals to 12% of GNP (Gross national product). The currency is riel. GDP (Gross domestic product) per capita is approximately 280 USD, and 37% of the population live below the poverty line (less than 1 USD/day).

Population

Cambodia's infant mortality rate is high. According to the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) it is 95 per 1000 live births (year 2001). Approximately half of the children under 5 years of age are moderately or severely underweight. Average life expectancy at birth is 57 years. Almost half of the population is below the age of 15. There is no accurate information about the literacy rate, although it is estimated that the adult literacy rate is 37%: 48% for men, and only 22% for women.

90 % of the people of Cambodia are Khmers. About 5 % are Vietnamese and 1 % are Chinese. 95 % of the population belong to the Theravada Buddhist religion. Approximately 95% speak the Khmer language. English and French are spoken to some extent, mainly in the cities.

Government

Since the democratic elections of 1993 Cambodia has been a constitutional monarchy. Norodom Sihanouk, the king of Cambodia, was the most influential leader even before Cambodia became independent in 1953. Now his tasks are mainly ceremonial. The legislative branch is bicameral. It consists of the National Assembly with 122 democratically elected members, and the Senate with 61 members. The government is headed by prime minister Hun Sen who is the most influential figure in Cambodian politics.