Cambodia Facts and Figures

Overview of Cambodia
Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia, shares borders with Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Phnom Penh, its capital and largest city, is the political, economic, and cultural center. Cambodia's landscape includes low-lying plains, the Mekong Delta, mountains, and the Gulf of Thailand coastline. The country is a member of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Notably, Cambodia has been part of ASEAN since 1999, reflecting its integration into regional politics and economics.

Historical and Political Milestones
Cambodia's history is marked by significant events that have shaped its political and economic landscape. The Khmer Rouge regime, from 1975 to 1979, was one of the most catastrophic periods, leading to the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people. The Vietnamese invasion in 1979 ended the Khmer Rouge's rule, but the country remained unstable until the 1991 Paris Peace Accords. This agreement marked the beginning of political reconstruction and the establishment of a democratic government. Another transformative event was Cambodia's accession to the WTO in 2004, which spurred economic reforms and integration into the global economy.

Demographics Overview
Cambodia's population reached 16.94 million in 2023, with a population density of 94 people per square kilometer in 2021. This moderate density reflects the country's vast rural areas. Consequently, with an urbanization rate of 25.6% in 2023, Cambodia remains largely rural, significantly impacting infrastructure and service delivery. A population growth rate of 1.0% and a fertility rate of 2.3 births per woman suggest steady population increases. Additionally, in 2022, 65.2% of the population was of working age, indicating a robust labor force capable of driving economic growth. The median age of 27 years in 2024 points to a very young population, which can be leveraged for future development. Life expectancy at birth was 70 years in 2022, showing improvements in healthcare services. However, more improvements are needed, especially in maternal and infant healthcare, as evidenced by a crude death rate of 6.8 per 1,000 persons and an infant mortality rate of 20.3 per 1,000 live births in 2022.

Economic Outlook
Cambodia's economy continues to expand steadily, with a GDP totaling $31.77 billion in 2023, positioning it as the 104th largest globally. The GDP growth rate of 5.4% in 2023, coupled with inflation rates of 2.1% in 2023 and 2.3% in 2024, indicates stable economic performance. In 2023, exports amounted to $23.47 billion, while imports totaled $24.386 billion, showcasing a trade balance deficit of $0.92 billion. The unemployment rate remained low at 0.2% in 2020, emphasizing a robust labor market. Sector-wise, contributions to GDP show a diversified economy: agriculture contributes 22.2% to GDP, industry 37.9%, and services 33.9% in 2022. Manufacturing plays a significant role, constituting 18.8% of GDP in the same year. Businesses looking to explore opportunities in Cambodia can benefit from market research in Cambodia to navigate sectoral dynamics and economic policies effectively.


Fiscal Overview
Cambodia's public finance landscape shows resilience and strategic planning amid economic challenges. In 2022, Net Official Development Assistance (ODA) received constituted 5.5% of Gross National Income (GNI), highlighting significant international support for developmental initiatives. The country experienced a deficit in net lending, amounting to -2.25% of GDP in 2023, indicating increased government expenditures or reduced revenue collection. Meanwhile, general government debt stood at 36.53% of GDP in 2022, reflecting prudent debt management practices. These figures underscore Cambodia's efforts to balance fiscal sustainability with developmental needs.


Military Overview
Cambodia's military forces comprised 124,000 personnel as of 2016, constituting 0.7% of the total population, indicating a significant proportion dedicated to national defense. The country allocated 2.1% of its GDP to military spending in 2022, reflecting its commitment to defense capabilities amidst regional dynamics. Cambodia's military expenditure plays a crucial role in safeguarding national sovereignty and security interests. The armed forces' involvement in peacekeeping operations and internal security underscores their multifaceted role in maintaining stability.

In conclusion, with a youthful population, growing digital adoption, and strategic military investments, the country shows promise for economic growth and stability. Challenges such as healthcare improvements, fiscal sustainability, and geopolitical dynamics underscore the need for informed decision-making. Market research agencies in Cambodia play a pivotal role in navigating these complexities, providing insights into consumer behavior, economic trends, and policy impacts. By leveraging comprehensive data across these sectors, stakeholders can better support Cambodia's development trajectory in a rapidly evolving global context.