Cambodia

ASEAN Member Country since April 1999

Capital: Phnom Penh
Head of State: His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni
Head of Government: Prime Minister Hun Sen
Languages: Khmer
Area (sq. km): 181,035
Population: 13,661,400
GDP (USD): 6.6 billion (2006 estimate)

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia today is a nation that combines a rich cultural, historical and architectural heritage, with a palpable newborn energy, as it emerges from a troubled past. Beneath the surface of an ethnically homogenous society lies a diverse landscape that never fails to excite and intrigue: from the sun-kissed pristine white beaches on the southern shore, to the stunningly complex Angkor Wat temple complex, and to the vibrant urban nightlife.

The wide tree-lined boulevards and pastel-colored, low-rise buildings in the major cities serve as constant reminders of Cambodia’s French colonial history, and one can still hear many of the older Khmer generations conversing in French. However, the democratic constitutional monarchy has brought peace and development in the last 17 years. The economy is recovering, and the importance of the garment and tourism industries is reflected in the ubiquitous colorful open-air markets. Per capita income is increasing rapidly, and these are expected to continue to rise when commercial oil and natural gas extraction begins around 2010. With such a promising future ahead, visitors to Southeast Asia would be remiss to exclude Cambodia from their itinerary.