Information
City: Cambodia ProvinceCountry: Cambodia
Continent: Asia
Cambodia Province, Cambodia, Asia
Cambodia is divided into 25 first-level administrative divisions: 24 provinces (khaet) and 1 autonomous municipality (reachthéani), which is the capital, Phnom Penh. In 2026, the country is characterized by a "Maturing Manufacturing Base" and a major 10-year infrastructure push to decentralize the economy away from the capital.
Administrative Structure
Provinces (Khaet): 24
Autonomous Municipality: 1 (Phnom Penh)
Districts (Srok / Khan): 159 (Provinces use Srok; Phnom Penh uses Khan)
Communes (Khum / Sangkat): 1,646 (Provinces use Khum; Phnom Penh uses Sangkat)
Key Provinces & Strategic Hubs
| Province | Key Strength (2026) | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap | Cultural Capital | Home to Angkor Wat; saw significant airport expansion in 2025. |
| Preah Sihanouk | Logistics & Trade | The country's only deep-sea port; heart of the coastal SEZ. |
| Battambang | Rice Bowl / Art | Leading agricultural producer; emerging as a hub for the creative arts. |
| Kampong Cham | Agriculture | The most populous province; center for rubber and fruit processing. |
| Mondulkiri | Eco-Tourism | The largest province by area; focus of 2026 jungle conservation. |
| Kandal | Industrial Belt | Surrounds Phnom Penh; core of the garment and electronics industry. |
2026 Infrastructure & Economic Shifts
Decentralization: The government’s 2026 budget ($9.9 billion) prioritizes "Second-Tier Industrial Centers." New SEZs (Special Economic Zones) are being established in Svay Rieng and Banteay Meanchey to absorb labor from the Thai border.
Logistics: The Funan Techo Canal project (slated for 2024–2028) is a major focus in 2026, aimed at connecting the Mekong River to the sea in Kep/Kampot provinces, bypassing Vietnamese ports.
Digital Year: Cambodia is testing "Digital Riel" (Bakong) integrations at provincial border crossings to facilitate instant cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam.
Demographics (2026 Estimate)
Total Population: 18,025,000
Urban/Rural: Roughly 24% urban, though 2026 data shows a rapid shift toward secondary cities like Poipet and Sihanoukville.
Median Age: 29.6 years-one of the youngest workforces in Southeast Asia.
Regional Safety & Connectivity
Border Zones: As of January 2026, increased military presence and administrative scrutiny are reported on the Thai border (Oddar Meanchey/Banteay Meanchey) due to regional trade disputes.
Roads: National Highway 4 (Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville Expressway) is the primary economic artery. National Highway 5 is the main route for the northwest industrial corridor.
Cultural Festivals by Province
Banteay Meanchey/Siem Reap: Giant Puppet Parade (February).
Mondulkiri: Indigenous Elephant Festivals (seasonal).
Phnom Penh/Kandal: Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) (typically November).
Local Cost Index (Provincial Average)
1 Espresso: $2.50 USD (Phnom Penh) / $1.25 USD (Rural)
1 Local Meal (Bai Sach Chrouk): $1.50–$2.50 USD
1 Tuk-Tuk (Grab): Base fare ~$0.75 USD
Currency: US Dollar (USD) is widely used for large transactions; Cambodian Riel (KHR) is used for change and small rural purchases (Fixed rate: ~4,100 KHR to $1 USD).
