Cambodia Country & Tourist Information

Location
South-East Asia.

Area
181,035 sq km (69,900 sq miles).

Population
14.2 million (UN estimate 2008).



Population Density
81.7 per sq km.

Capital
Phnom Penh.
Population:  2 million (2007).

Government
Constitutional monarchy since 1993.

Language
Khmer is the official language and spoken by 95% of the population. Chinese and Vietnamese are also spoken. French was widely spoken until the arrival of the Pol Pot regime and is still taught in schools, but English is now a more popular language to learn among the younger generation.

Religion
95% Buddhist (Theravada), the remainder Muslim and Christian. Buddhism was reinstated as the national religion in 1989 after a ban on religious activity in 1975.

Time
GMT + 7.

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are in use. Power cuts are frequent.

Head of Government
Prime Minister Hun Sen since 1985.

Head of State
King Norodom Sihamoni since 2004.

Recent History
The authoritarian, extreme-left Cambodian People's Party remained in government following the 2003 elections, in coalition with the FUNCINPEC party led by Prince Rannaridh. In October 2004, King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated due to old age and frail health, without a clear succession. Last-minute legislation had to be administered since the constitution did not permit abdication and, eventually, the nine-member Throne Council appointed his son, Norodom Sihamoni, as the new king. King Norodom Sihamoni has vowed to remain politically neutral and open to ideas from all Cambodians.

Telephone
Country code: 855. Prepaid telephone cards are available in post offices, hotels and shops for public phones around Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good in major towns and cities and patchy elsewhere.

Internet
Available in some areas. Internet cafes are available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and other major towns.

Media
Much of Cambodia's media depends on support from political parties. Press freedom is not guaranteed but Prime Minister Hun Sen has declared his public support for press freedom. There are no restrictions on satellite dish ownership and neighboring foreign radio broadcasts are easily received.

Post
Airmail to Europe takes at least a week, and longer to the USA. The main post office in Phnom Penh is located on the western side of 13 Street between 98 Street and 102 Street, open 0630-2100. 

Post office hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0730/0800-1700/1730, sometimes closed for lunch.

Press
• Cambodia Daily and the Phnom Penh Post (fortnightly) and are printed in English.
• Reaksmei Kampuchea and Kaoh Santepheap are pro-government dailies.

Radio
• National Radio of Cambodia is a state broadcaster.
• FM 95 (operated by Bayon Radio and TV News Agency), Radio FM 97 (operated by Aspara Radio and TV Radio) and Radio FM 103 are all commercial broadcasters.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period. 

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
7 Jan Victory Day.
9 Feb Meak Bochea Day.
8 Mar Women's Day.
14-16 Apr Cambodian New Year.
1 May Labor Day.
8 May Visaka Buja Day (Birth of Buddha).
12 May Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony.
13-15 May King Sihamoni's Birthday.
18 Jun Former Queen's Birthday.
18-20 Sep Pchum Ben Day.
24 Sep Constitution Day.
29 Oct Coronation Day.
31 Oct Former King Sihanouk's Birthday.
1-3 Nov Water Festival.
9 Nov Independence Day.
10 Dec Human Rights Day.

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
7 Jan Victory Day.
21 Feb Meak Bochea Day.
8 Mar Women's Day.
14-16 Apr Cambodian New Year.
1 May Labor Day. 
13-15 May King Sihamoni's Birthday.
28 Apr Visaka Buja Day (Birth of Buddha).
23 May Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony.
18 Jun Former Queen's Birthday.
24 Sep Constitution Day.
Sep-Oct* Pchum Ben Day.
29 Oct Coronation Day.
31 Oct Former King Sihanouk's Birthday.
Nov* Water Festival.
9 Nov Independence Day.
10 Dec Human Rights Day.

* Date to be confirmed.

Note
The religious festivals are determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and are therefore variable. Public holidays falling on a Saturday or Sunday are carried forward to the following working day.

Contact Information:

Ministry of Tourism
3 Monivong Boulevard, Phnom Penh 12258, Cambodia
Tel: (23) 211 593 or 213 741.
Website: www.mot.gov.kh

Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the UK
64 Brondesbury Park, Willesden Green, London, NW6 7AT
Tel: (020) 8451 7850.
Website: www.cambodianembassy.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1230 (visa section).

Royal Embassy of Cambodia in the USA
4530 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, USA
Tel: (202) 726 7742.
Website: www.embassyofcambodia.org


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