Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh
Name	Phnom Penh
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	11, 33, N, 104...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Cambodia
Established title	Founded
Established date	1372
Founder	Ponhea Yat
Government type	Municipality
Leader title	Governor
Leader name	Khuong Sreng
Area total km2	679
Elevation m	11.89
Population total	2,281,951
Population as of	2019
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	ICT
Utc offset	+7
Postal code type	Postal code
Postal code	12000
Area code	+855 (023)
Website	www.phnompenh.gov.kh

Phnom Penh is the vibrant capital and most populous city of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonlé Sap rivers, it serves as the nation's political, economic, and cultural heart. The city is known for its rich history, French colonial architecture, and significant landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the National Museum of Cambodia.

History

The city's legendary founding in 1372 is attributed to a woman named Penh, who discovered sacred statues on a hill, or *phnom*, leading to the construction of Wat Phnom. It became the permanent capital of the Khmer kingdom in 1865 under King Norodom, moving from Oudong. The French Protectorate of Cambodia left a lasting architectural legacy, evident in buildings like the Central Post Office. The city experienced dramatic growth and tragedy in the 20th century, notably during the Vietnam War and the subsequent brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge, which evacuated the city after its fall in 1975. Following the regime's overthrow by the Vietnamese invasion in 1979, the city began a slow recovery, accelerating after the 1993 UN-sponsored elections restored the monarchy under Norodom Sihanouk.

Geography

The municipality covers an area of 679 square kilometers on the flat alluvial plains of central Cambodia. Its defining feature is the Chaktomuk confluence of the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonlé Sap rivers, which divides the city into distinct sections. The urban core is located on the west bank of the Tonlé Sap and Bassac, with notable areas like Chroy Changvar peninsula on the opposite shore. The city's topography is generally low-lying, making it susceptible to seasonal flooding during the monsoon, which affects the flow of the surrounding river systems.

Demographics

With a population exceeding two million, the city is Cambodia's most populous urban area and a melting pot of cultures. The vast majority of residents are Khmer, with significant communities of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cham minorities. The primary language is Khmer, and the dominant religion is Theravada Buddhism, practiced at numerous pagodas like Wat Ounalom and Wat Langka. The population has grown rapidly due to rural-to-urban migration and natural increase since the end of the Cambodian Civil War.

Economy

As the national economic engine, the city's economy is diversified, with key sectors including garment manufacturing, real estate, construction, and tourism. It is the headquarters for major Cambodian corporations and banks like ABA Bank and Canadia Bank, as well as the site of the Cambodia Securities Exchange. The Port of Phnom Penh facilitates trade along the Mekong River, while special economic zones on the outskirts attract foreign investment. A growing services sector, including hospitality centered around landmarks like the Raffles Hotel Le Royal, and a burgeoning tech startup scene contribute significantly to its GDP.

Culture

The city is Cambodia's cultural center, home to premier institutions such as the National Museum of Cambodia, which houses the world's finest collection of Khmer sculpture, and the Royal University of Fine Arts. Performing arts thrive at the Chaktomuk Conference Hall and through traditional dance troupes. Annual festivals like Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben, and the Water Festival are celebrated with great fervor. The city's culinary scene is renowned, featuring local dishes and a vibrant street food culture in areas like the Russian Market.

Government

The municipality is a first-level administrative division, governed by a governor appointed by the Ministry of Interior. The current governor is Khuong Sreng. It is subdivided into 14 administrative districts, or *khans*, such as Chamkarmon, Daun Penh, and 7 Makara. The city hosts all three branches of national government: the Royal Palace, the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Supreme Court of Cambodia.

Infrastructure

The city is the national hub for transportation, served by the Phnom Penh International Airport, which offers flights to major regional hubs like Suvarnabhumi Airport. National highways connect it to Sihanoukville and Ho Chi Minh City. Public transport primarily consists of buses, with plans for a JICA-supported master plan. Key infrastructure includes the Prek Tamak Bridge and the Tsubasa Bridge. Healthcare is anchored by institutions like the Calmette Hospital and the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, while higher education is led by the Royal University of Phnom Penh and the Institute of Technology of Cambodia.