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108-437: Kandal province completely surrounds the capital Phnom Penh. The province is also a part of the greater Phnom Penh Metropolitan Area with more than a million people living in and around the province. While traveling out of Phnom Penh, the boundary between the two provinces is nearly unrecognizable. The province consists of the typical plain wet area, covering rice fields and other agricultural plantations. The average altitude of

216-590: A base camp into the unoccupied jungle in the area that is now known as Hawaii Beach. Funds for the construction of the port came from France and the road was financed by the United States. During the Vietnam War the port became a military facility for both sides: in the service of National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam and after 1970, under the government of Lon Nol , in the service of

324-521: A century after it is said to have taken place, the legend of the founding of Phnom Penh tells of a local woman, Penh (commonly referred to as Daun Penh ( Lady Penh in Khmer ), living at Chaktomuk, the future Phnom Penh. It was the late 14th century, and the Khmer capital was still at Angkor near Siem Reap 350 km (217 mi) to the north. Gathering firewood along the banks of the river, Lady Penh spied

432-488: A floating koki tree in the river and fished it from the water. Inside the tree she found four Buddha statues and one of Vishnu. The discovery was taken as a divine blessing, and to some a sign that the Khmer capital was to be brought to Phnom Penh from Angkor. To house the new-found sacred objects, Penh raised a small hill on the west bank of the Tonle Sap River and crowned it with a shrine, now known as Wat Phnom at

540-551: A former Khmer Rouge prison. The National Museum hosts celebrations of Cambodian dance and music, including a popular classic Apsara dance show of traditional folk dances as well as original creations. At this time, Phnom Penh celebrates Cambodian New Year , an occasion increasingly popular with tourists. During this typically hottest part of the year, water gets thrown around adding to the party atmosphere along with dancing and music. The precise date changes year-by-year but this holiday lasts, at least, three days. This festival marks

648-569: A fusion of Bauhaus , European post-modern architecture , and traditional elements from Angkor . The most prominent architect was Vann Molyvann , who was nominated chief national architect by the king himself in 1956. Molyvann created landmark buildings such as the Preah Suramarit National Theatre or the Vann Molyvann House . Other architects helped construct the newly founded Royal Khmer University ,

756-406: A government status equal to that of the provinces. The autonomous municipality is subdivided into 14 administrative divisions called khans (sections). The district s are subdivided into 105 sangkats (quarters), and further subdivided into 953 phums (villages). All khans are under the governance of Phnom Penh. Dangkao , Meanchey , Porsenchey , Sen Sok and Russey Keo are considered

864-509: A new water supply from the Prek Tuk Sap and existing lagoons; these were subsequently cut off from the sea and used as the initial source for town supply. The reservoirs are still operational, although insufficient for today's demands. The area connects with the city center along a single highway via typical irregular successions of residential buildings. The mangrove-lined Ou Trojak Jet River, which runs from Otres Pagoda to Otres Beach,

972-507: A result the local economy is largely defined by its deep water port and the nearby oil terminal . Attached is a regularly modernized cargo storage and logistics facility which serves numerous shipping companies, freight forwarders, suppliers, and maintenance contractors. All of these are based in the port's vicinity. The Phnom Penh–Sihanoukville transport corridor is the premier national trade route, accounting for about 75 percent of Cambodia's trade traffic. Other sizable economic sectors of

1080-530: A road from Ha Tien to Svai village, on the border with Kompong-Som, via Kampot." The British Empire followed a distinct policy by the 1850s, seeking to consolidate its influence. Eyewitness reports give rare insights, as Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston's agent John Crawfurd reports: "Cambodia was...the Keystone of our policy in these countries, - the King of that ancient Kingdom is ready to throw himself under

1188-624: A wealthy widow named Penh found a Koki tree floating down the Tonlé Sap River after a storm. Inside the tree were four bronze Buddha statues and a stone statue of Vishnu . Penh ordered villagers to raise the height of the hill northeast of her house and used the Koki wood to build a temple on the hill to house the four Buddha statues, and a shrine for the Vishnu image slightly lower down. The temple became known as Wat Phnom Daun Penh, which

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1296-606: Is Theravada Buddhism . More than 98.3% of the people in Kandal are Buddhists. Chams have been practicing Islam for hundreds of years. A small percentage follow Christianity. Phnom Penh Phnom Penh is the capital and most populous city of Cambodia . It has been the national capital since the French protectorate of Cambodia and has grown to become the nation's primate city and its economic, industrial, and cultural centre. Before Phnom Penh became capital city, Oudong

1404-614: Is Vattanac Capital Tower at a height of 188 metres (617 ft), dominating Phnom Penh's skyline with its neighbour skyscraper Canadia Tower (OCIC Tower). The tower was completed in December 2014. Modern high rises have been constructed all around the city, not concentrated in any one particular area. The Central Market Phsar Thmei is a tourist attraction. The four wings of the yellow colored market are teeming with numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewelry, antique coins, clothing, clocks, flowers, food, fabrics and shoes. Phsar Thmei

1512-565: Is 290 metres (950 feet) long by 28 metres (92 feet) wide and can accommodate four vessels with medium gross register tonnage (GRT) at both sides. The exterior berth is −8.50 to −13 metres (−27.9 to −42.7 feet) depth, while the interior berth is −7.50 to −8.50 metres (−24.6 to −27.9 feet) depth. The Government of Cambodia had constructed a 350 m (1,148 ft) long new quay with −10.5 m (−34 ft) maximum draft in 1966. At present, this new quay can accommodate three vessels with −7 m (−23 ft) draft medium GRT. The construction of

1620-412: Is Sihanoukville's longest river. In the tidal mangrove area Barramundi, mangrove jacks, and barracuda are the prize targets for sport anglers; the lower section harbors a marina. Restaurants along the south bank of the river serve fresh seafood supplied by the local inshore fishing boats. Due to their proximity to the sea, mangroves line large parts of the rivers. All the islands listed below fall under

1728-601: Is a coastal city in Cambodia and the capital of Preah Sihanouk Province , at the tip of an elevated peninsula in the country's south-west on the Gulf of Thailand . The city has a string of beaches along its entire coastline and coastal marshlands bordering Ream National Park in the east. The city has one navigable river, the mangrove -lined Ou Trojak Jet, running from Otres Pagoda to the sea at Otres. Several thinly inhabited islands, under Sihanoukville's administration, are near

1836-477: Is at the tip of the rolling hills of a peninsula on the Gulf of Thailand . To its northwest and at its center it rises up to 15 metres (49 ft) above sea level , whereas the land gently and steadily flattens towards extended coastal plains, marshlands and beaches in the south and southeast. The Gulf of Thailand 's shallow depths and the local climate are moderate in contrast to the South China Sea to

1944-477: Is derived from the Sanskrit word saumya , the original ( Rig Vedic ) meaning of which was Soma , the 'juice or sacrifice of the moon-god', but evolved into Pali 'moon', 'moonlike' 'name of Shiva'. The word kampong or kompong is of Malay origin and means 'village' or 'hamlet'. Its meaning underwent extension towards 'pier' or river 'landing bridge'. Before the ports' and city's foundation works of 1955,

2052-501: Is from November through March. Kandal province serves as an economic belt of the capital Phnom Penh. Farming and fishing are the two main industries of the province. Major products include palm oil , peanuts, rice, and pepper. In addition to farming and fishing, the province also supports thriving cottage industries that specialize in wood carving, silk, and handicrafts. Many garment factories are located in Kandal province, which hires more than 500,000 workers. Along National Road #6 to

2160-470: Is home to more than 2 million people, approximately 14% of the Cambodian population. The Greater Phnom Penh area includes the nearby Ta Khmau city and some districts of Kandal province . The city has hosted numerous regional and international events, the most notable being the 2002, 2012, and 2022 ASEAN Summit , the 32nd Southeast Asian Games , and the 12th ASEAN Para Games . Phnom Penh will be

2268-477: Is meant to bolster the city landscape. The Bureau of Urban Affairs of Phnom Penh Municipality has plans to expand and construct new infrastructure to accommodate the growing population and economy. High rise buildings will be constructed at the entrance of the city and near the lakes and riverbanks. Furthermore, new roads, canals, and a railway system will be used to connect Camko City and Phnom Penh. Other projects include: With booming economic growth seen since

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2376-756: Is now known as Wat Phnom, a small hill 27 metres (89 ft) in height. Phnom Penh's former official name is Krong Chaktomuk Serei Mongkol ( Khmer : ក្រុងចតុមុខសិរីមង្គល , lit. "city of Brahma 's faces"), in its short form as Krong Chaktomuk (lit. "city of four faces"). Krong Chaktomuk is an abbreviation of the full name, given to it by King Ponhea Yat : Krong Chaktomuk Mongkol Sakal Kampuchea Thipadei Serei Theakreak Bavar Intabat Borei Roat Reach Seima Moha Nokor ( Khmer : ក្រុងចតុមុខមង្គលសកលកម្ពុជាធិបតី សិរីធរបវរ ឥន្ទបត្តបុរី រដ្ឋរាជសីមាមហានគរ [kɾoŋ catomuk mɔŋkɔl sakɑl kampuciətʰəpaɗəj serəj tʰeareaɓɑːʋɑː ʔenteapat ɓorəj rɔətʰariəcsəjmaː mɔhaːnɔkɔː] ). This loosely translates as "the place of four rivers that gives

2484-441: Is subject to the tropical monsoons . The southwest monsoon blows inland bringing moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to November, sees high temperatures accompanied by high humidity. The dry season lasts from December to April; when overnight temperatures can drop to 22 °C (72 °F). Phnom Penh is an autonomous municipality of area 678.46 square kilometres (261.95 sq mi) with

2592-726: Is the right side of the road . There is no formally adopted road and road transport policy in Cambodia. Although Cambodia's traffic laws are the same as those of any other country, with respect to the country's membership of the ASEAN , that requires recognition of ratified agreements, regular traffic only functions on a basic level and in times of low density. Conduct is still traditional as smaller and slower vehicles are expected to yield to big vehicles. The city's law enforcement has been accused of failing to enforce international norms. A habit of running predictable checkpoints has developed over

2700-866: Is undergoing under a major renovation, along with the creation of newer stalls. The Japanese Supplementary School of Phnom Penh, formerly known in English as the Phnom Penh Japanese School, is a part-time Japanese School , operated by the Japanese Association of Cambodia (JACAM;カンボジア日本人会 Kambojia Nihonjin-kai ). It is in Sangkat Toek Thla in Sen Sok. It was established in 2002. It had 60 students in June 2011. Phnom Penh also has its own dialect of Khmer . Speakers of

2808-624: Is viewed with mixed emotions by the Cambodians. A period of reconstruction began, spurred by the continuing stability of government, attracting new foreign investment and aid by countries including France , Australia , and Japan . Loans were made from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank to reinstate a clean water supply, roads and other infrastructure. The 1998 Census put Phnom Penh's population at 862,000; and

2916-562: The Export-Import Bank of China . A sizable industrial center, exclusively composed of Chinese companies, has been developed since 2010. As of March 2020, the SSEZ had 174 factories employing more than 30,000 people. Today, the city's main export is garments, but it also produces and exports timber, logs, and rubber. Cambodia is one of the few least developed countries (LDCs) to export over US$ 2 billion. Since Cambodia became

3024-568: The Indo-Chinese Peninsula to British Commerce, as the great River of the Cambodians traverses its entire length and even affords communication into the heart of Siam". Under French rule , Vietnam, Laos , and Cambodia became a single administrative and economic unit. The coastal region Circonscription Résidentielle with Kampot as its capital contained the arrondissements of Kampot, Kompong Som, Trang, and Kong-Pisey. The establishment of another international trading center near

3132-862: The Royal University of Phnom Penh (established in 1960 as Royal Khmer University), with schools of engineering, fine arts, technology, and agricultural sciences, the latter at Chamkar Daung, a suburb. Also located in Phnom Penh were the Royal University of Agronomic Sciences and the Agricultural School of Prek Leap. The city was nicknamed the "Pearl of Asia" for its early 20th century colonial French architecture, which included Art Deco works. Phnom Penh, along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville , are significant global and domestic tourist destinations for Cambodia. Founded in 1372,

3240-765: The S-21 prison camp, where people were detained and tortured. Pol Pot sought a return to an agrarian economy and therefore killed many people perceived as educated, "lazy", spies, or political enemies. Many others starved to death as a result of failure of the agrarian society and the sale of Cambodia's rice to China in exchange for bullets and weaponry. The former high school is now the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum , where Khmer Rouge torture devices and photos of their victims are displayed. Choeung Ek (the Killing Fields ), 15 kilometers (9 mi) away, where

3348-590: The Tropical monsoon (Am) climate zone . The city has two seasons: a wet season and a dry season . The maximum mean is about 30 °C (86 °F) ; the minimum mean, about 24 °C (75 °F). Maximum temperatures higher than 32 °C (90 °F), however, are common and, just before the start of the rainy season, they may rise to more than 38 °C (100 °F). Minimum night temperatures sporadically fall below 20 °C (68 °F). in January,

Kandal province - Misplaced Pages Continue

3456-437: The 1990s, new shopping venues have opened, such as Sorya Center Point, Aeon Mall Phnom Penh, Aeon Mall Sen Sok City, Aeon Mall Mean Chey and Olympia Mall. Many international brands have opened such as Mango , Salvatore Ferragamo , Hugo Boss , Padini Concept Store, Lily, Timberland , Jimmy Choo , CC Double O, MO, Brands Outlet, Nike , Converse , Pony , Armani Exchange , and Super Dry . The tallest skyscraper in Phnom Penh

3564-512: The 2008 census was 1.3 million. By 2019, its population reached over 2.2 million, based on general population census. Phnom Penh is in the south-central region of Cambodia, and is fully surrounded by the Kandal province . The municipality is on the banks of the Tonlé Sap , Mekong , and Bassac Rivers. These rivers provide freshwater and other natural resources to the city. Phnom Penh and

3672-423: The 27 administrative departments. Every khans also has a chief. As of 2019 , Phnom Penh had a population of 2,129,371 people, with a total population density of 3,136 inhabitants per square kilometre in a 679 square kilometres (262 sq mi) city area. The population growth rate of the city is 3.92%. The city area has grown fourfold since 1979, and the metro area will continue to expand in order to support

3780-476: The Autonomous Port. Transport business operators maintain booking offices in the urban centers. Many companies compete with its buses' daily scheduled services. Buses operate from the early morning until the afternoon plus a daily night-bus/sleeper. Privately operated taxi stands for long-distance transportation are found at the central bus station, in the commercial urban center and the tourist center in

3888-699: The Bassak, Preah Trapeang, Kramuon Sah, Koh Slaket and Peam" (mouth of the Mekong). From the end of the 17th century, Cambodia lost control of the Mekong River route as Vietnamese power expanded into the lower Mekong. During the Nguyen-Siamese War (1717–1718) a Siamese fleet burned the port of Kompong Som in 1717 but was defeated by the Vietnamese at Banteay Meas / Ha Tien . A Cambodian king of

3996-609: The Bay of Cambodia as one of its members at its 7th General Assembly. By 2019, Chinese investment had transformed the city, so that more than 90% of businesses were owned by Chinese nationals. Over 100 casinos were planned to be built in Sihanoukville in an effort to transform it into a gambling hub, which coincided with an increase in crime. In the 2020s, Sihanoukville emerged as a major hub for online scam operations associated with Chinese criminal gangs. Sihanoukville town

4104-592: The Chinese has led to ethnic conflicts, with the government supporting the Chinese investors. The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port has an independent administration. In combination with the related logistics and transport sector, it is the city's economic backbone. At present, the total operational land area of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port is around 124.76 ha. The Old Jetty was constructed in 1956 and became operational in 1960. The jetty

4212-530: The Council for the Development of Cambodia totaled around US$ 500 million in 2011. Chinese investments have since modified the city's character, partly destroying its Cambodian aesthetics and culture. The Diplomat reported that "unchecked development by Chinese investors has come at a cost, freezing out locals and changing the city’s character." Evictions of native Cambodians due to economic investments by

4320-544: The Holy Sihanouk" or "Honorable Sihanouk City". King Norodom Sihanouk (reigned 1941–1955, 1993–2004) is revered as the father of the (modern) nation. The name Sihanouk is derived from Sanskrit through two Pali words: siha ('lion'), and hanu ('jaws'). The alternative name, Kompong Saom (also romanized as Kompong Som and Kampong Som ), ( Khmer : កំពង់សោម ) means 'Port of the Moon' or 'Shiva's Port'. Saom

4428-678: The Institute of Foreign Languages, and the National Sports Centre. With the growth of the upper and entrepreneurial middle classes, new suburbs were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Although these buildings survived the Khmer Rouge era and the civil war, today they are under threat due to economic development and financial speculation. Villas and gardens from that era are being destroyed and redeveloped to make place for bigger structures. The landmark National Theatre by Molyvann

Kandal province - Misplaced Pages Continue

4536-454: The Khmer Rouge marched prisoners from Tuol Sleng to be murdered and buried in shallow pits, is also now a memorial to those who were killed by the regime. The Khmer Rouge were driven out of Phnom Penh by the People's Army of Vietnam in 1979, and people began to return to the city. Vietnam is historically a state with which Cambodia has had many conflicts, therefore this liberation was and

4644-412: The Khmer Rouge were "tipping out patients from the hospitals like garbage into the streets....In five years of war, this is the greatest caravan of human misery I have seen". All of its residents, including the wealthy and educated, were evacuated from the city and forced to do difficult labour on rural farms as " new people ". Tuol Sleng High School was taken over by Pol Pot 's forces and was turned into

4752-436: The Phnom Penh dialect often elide syllables, which has earned it a reputation for being lazy speech. Phnom Penh is also known for its influence on New Khmer Architecture . Phnom Penh is notable for Ka tieu Phnom Penh, its variation on rice noodle soup, a dish available in sit-down cafes as well as street cafes. The city hosts a number of music events throughout the city. Indie bands have grown in number due also in part to

4860-565: The South. The city does not have any form of public transportation. Local administration does issue transport licenses for any individual of the informal urban transportation system of motor-taxis ( moto-dups ) and tuk-tuks . The system is not administered by authorities, as anybody can become a motor-taxi, or tuk-tuk driver. The overwhelming majority of drivers do not have knowledge of street names and/or numbers. Sihanouk International Airport ( International Air Transport Association code KOS)

4968-632: The United States. The port was the last place to be evacuated by the US Army, only days before Khmer Rouge guerrillas took control of the government in April 1975. The events surrounding the taking of the US container ship SS Mayaguez and its crew on 12 May by the Khmer Rouge and the subsequent rescue operation by US Marines played out on the waters of Koh Tang off the coast of Sihanoukville. During

5076-491: The World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism made up 19.2 percent (US$ 2,053 million) of Cambodia's GDP in 2009 and accounts for 13.7 percent of total employment. One of the most popular areas in Phnom Penh for tourists is Sisowath Quay , alongside the Tonle Sap River. Sisowath Quay is a five kilometre strip of road that includes restaurants, bars, and hotels. The US$ 2.6 billion new urban development, Camko City ,

5184-546: The administration of Sihanoukville's Mittakpheap District . The majority is either in the process of or has been assigned for extensive tourism. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem in particular have so far undergone years of uncoordinated development. Koh Rong has been declared a stop on the Banana Pancake Trail . The urban area suffers from polluted water supplies. Waste management policies and practices are deficient or lacking altogether. Sihanoukville lies in

5292-458: The aid of Great Britain, Kampot or any other port in Cambodia, can never become a commercial Emporium." Crawfurd later wrote: "The Cambodians...sought to use intervals of peace in the Siam - Vietnam wars to develop intercourse with outside nations. The trade at Kampot which they sought to foster was imperiled by pirates. Here is a point where the wedge might be inserted, that would open the interior of

5400-579: The border with Kampong Cham , one can find the Cham Muslims community there. They are a community with a mediocre economy. Most of them are now more fluent in Khmer language , the national and majority language of Cambodia. The ethnic majority in this province is Khmer people . The Cham people historically before the Democratic Kampuchea period probably comprised 8–12% of the population of Kandal province, but now they have mixed with

5508-469: The capital city of a newly independent country. King Sihanouk was eager to present a new style of architecture and thus invigorate the process of nation building. A new golden era of architecture took off, with various projects and young Khmer architects, often educated in France, given opportunities to design and construct. This new movement was called " New Khmer Architecture " and was often characterised by

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5616-456: The city are fisheries, aqua-culture, and frozen shrimp processing, the garment industry, food production, and processing, the constantly growing tourism industry with a noticeably developed service branch and the associated real estate market. In 2023, it was reported that Sihanoukville had become a major centre for fraud factories , where thousands of human trafficking victims forced to work as " pig butchering " scammers after COVID-19 led to

5724-462: The city is noted for its historical architecture and attractions. It became the national capital in 1434 following the fall of Angkor , and remained so until 1497. It regained its capital status during the French colonial era in 1865. There are a number of surviving colonial-era buildings scattered along the grand boulevards . On the banks of the Tonlé Sap , Mekong , and Bassac Rivers, Phnom Penh

5832-515: The city's growing population and economy. A survey by the National Institute of Statistics in 2017 showed that 95.3% of the population in Phnom Penh are Khmer , 4% Chams , and 0.7% others, predominantly Chinese, Vietnamese, and other small ethnic groups who are Thai , Budong, Mnong Preh , Kuy and Chong. The official language is Khmer , but English and French are widely used in the city. The number of slum -inhabitants at

5940-622: The city, constructed in 1373. The main tourist attractions are the Royal Palace with the Silver Pagoda , and the National Museum , constructed during the French colonial era in the late-19th century in the classical Khmer style and hosting a vast collection of Khmer antiquities. The Independence Monument (Khmer: Vimean Akareach ), although from the 1950s, is also constructed in the ancient Khmer style. The French, who were

6048-564: The city. The city, which was named in honor of the former king Norodom Sihanouk , had a population of around 89,800 people and approximately 66,700 in its urban center in 2008. Sihanoukville city encompasses the greater part of six communes ( Sangkats ) in Sihanoukville Province. It has evolved parallel to the construction of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port , which commenced in June 1955, as

6156-517: The city. The economy is based on commercial interests such as garments, trading, and small and medium enterprises. In the past few years the property business has been booming, with rapidly increasing real estate prices. Tourism is also a major contributor in the capital as more shopping and commercial centres open, making Phnom Penh one of the major tourist destinations in South East Asia along with Siem Reap and Sihanoukville . According to

6264-423: The closure of many of the city's casinos. The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is an overseas economic and trade cooperation zone, which was designed to promote favorable market conditions. It began with a focus on manufacturing consumer goods with the goal of transitioning to producing machinery, photovoltaic materials, and chemicals. The SSEZ received support from China's Ministry of Commerce and

6372-464: The coldest month. May is the warmest month – although strongly influenced by the beginning of the wet season, as the area constitutes the easternmost fringe of the south-west monsoon . Tropical cyclones only rarely cause damage in Cambodia. The total annual rainfall averages around 2,200 millimeters (86.6 inches). The maximal amounts fall in July, August, and September. Relative humidity is high throughout

6480-527: The colonial masters from the 19th century to the 1940s, also left their mark, with various colonial villas, French churches, boulevards , and the Art Deco market Phsar Thom Thmei . A notable landmark of the colonial era is the Hotel Le Royal . Starting with independence from the French in the 1950s and lasting until the era of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s, Phnom Penh underwent tremendous growth as

6588-453: The completion of National Highway 48 in 2007. Koh Rong Island and Koh Rong Sanloem Island have daily ferry services. Marina Oceania, the first marina in Cambodia operational and fully equipped since 2013 for yachts and boats up to 25 metres (82 feet) with 4-to-5-metre-deep (13-to-16- foot ) berths for 20 boats. It is at the local port's pier, near Koh Preab Island. (coordinates: 10°39'59"N / 103°30'41"E). The railway network of Cambodia

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6696-594: The completion of certain elements of the infrastructure, the investor announced alterations of the original blueprints, as "Reapplying for permission will happen in 2014..." according to the Council of the Development of Cambodia . On 26 May 2011, the Preah Sihanouk area joined the Paris-based club, Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde ('the most beautiful bays in the world'). The organization officially accepted

6804-488: The container terminal, 400 m (1,312 ft) long by −10.5 m (−34 ft) depth and a 6.5 ha (16 acres) container yard was completed in March 2007. The primary destinations of Sihanoukville Autonomous Port are: Singapore , Hong Kong , Bangkok , Ho Chi Minh City , Shanghai , Laem Chabang , Yantian and Kaohsiung . It has a frequency of scheduled services of 38 per week. Cambodia's official driving side

6912-437: The country's gateway to direct and unrestricted international sea trade. The only deep-water port in Cambodia includes an oil terminal and a transport logistics facility. The city has developed into the country's primary hub for coastal tourism , including as a gambling destination. The official name of the city in Khmer is: krong ('city'), preah ('holy') Sihanouk (name of the former king), which adds up to: "City of

7020-474: The development and recovery of the country. With the further opening of new markets in 1999, the city regained its role in the economic growth of Cambodia. In 1993, Ream National Park was established per royal decree of former King Sihanouk. The Sihanoukville Municipality was elevated to a regular province on 22 December 2008 after King Norodom Sihamoni signed a royal decree converting the municipalities of Kep , Pailin , and Sihanoukville into provinces. In

7128-495: The early 21st century, Sihanoukville grew to become a center of trade, commerce, transport, and process manufacturing . Sihanoukville's many beaches and nearby islands make it Cambodia's premier seaside resort . In 2006, the Koh Puos (Cambodia) Investment Group submitted an application, planning to invest US$ 276 million in converting the 116-hectare Koh Puos , Snake Island, into a luxury residential and resort complex. After

7236-596: The east and the Indian Ocean to the west. Established after the period of the French Protectorate , bourgeois colonial style quarters such as ones seen in Kampot , Siem Reap , or Phnom Penh do not exist. Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann designed objects, and public buildings with a distinct function, some still operational. This brief era of New Khmer Architecture ended in 1970. In 1959,

7344-459: The emergence of private music schools such as SoundsKool Music (also operating in the city of Siem Reap), and Music Arts School (registered as a non-governmental organization ). The Cambodian fishing dance originated in Phnom Penh at the Royal University of Fine Arts in the 1960s. The two most visited museums in the city are the National Museum , which is the country's leading historical and archaeological museum, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum ,

7452-440: The end of 2012 was 105,771, compared with 85,807 at the start of 2012. Note: As stated in the "History" paragraph (The 1998 Census put Phnom Penh's population at 862,000; and the 2008 census was 1.3   million. ) the information collides with the information provided in the "Historical population" table. Needs editing. Religion in Phnom Penh (2019 census) The state religion is Theravada Buddhism . More than 97.8% of

7560-460: The entire city after taking it, in what has been described as a death march : François Ponchaud wrote that "I shall never forget one cripple who had neither hands nor feet, writhing along the ground like a severed worm, or a weeping father carrying his ten-year old daughter wrapped in a sheet tied around his neck like a sling, or the man with his foot dangling at the end of a leg to which it was attached by nothing but skin"; Jon Swain recalled that

7668-448: The entire year; usually exceeding 90 percent. During the dry season daytime humidity rates average around 50 percent or slightly lower, climbing to about 90 percent during the rainy season. The wet season runs from April to November, and the dry season from December to March. However, as is common in places with this climate type, the dry season still sees some rainfall. Sihanoukville was established as an international marine gateway and as

7776-576: The existing city of Saigon was not considered necessary. Focus remained the Mekong and the idea to establish an alternative route to Chinese and Thai markets along an uninterrupted navigable waterway to the Mekong Delta . An insurrection that took place from 1885 to 1887 further discouraged French ambition. It started in Kampot and quickly spread to Veal Rinh, Kampong Seila, and Kompong Som, where

7884-531: The first Cambodian city and the second city in Southeast Asia to host the Asian Youth Games in 2029. Phnom Penh (lit. "Penh's hill") takes its name from the present Wat Phnom (lit. "hill temple"), or from the ancient Funan Kingdom , which existed from the 1st to the 7th century AD in Southeast Asia and was the forerunner of the current Cambodian monarchy . Legend has it that in 1372,

7992-806: The first LDC to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2004, trade has steadily increased, and the US has been Cambodia's largest trading partner. Compared to US$ 2.3 billion of exports to the US and US$ 153 million of exports to Cambodia in 2010, from January to October 2011, Cambodia's exports to the U.S. were US$ 2.29 billion and US exports to Cambodia were US$ 152.6 million. An industrial zone has been established that includes petrochemical production and food processing based on local fisheries and other elements. Foreign investment in Cambodia has increased significantly since 2004 led by Asian investors from countries such as Malaysia, China, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Approved investment proposals by

8100-507: The first urban plan for the city was completed for a population of 55,000 residents; it included cycle paths and green spaces. The plan also marked out the zoning for the port, the railway network, the town center with municipal offices, business and residential housing, and finally a tourist zone to the south along the beaches. A feasibility study by the United States Operations Mission (USOM) looked at drawing on

8208-598: The happiness and success of the Khmer Kingdom, the highest leader as well as impregnable city of the God Indra of the great kingdom". The initial settlement of Phnom Penh is believed to have been established since the 5th century AD, according to the discovery of ancient kiln site in Choeung Ek commune of Dangkao district, southern part of central Phnom Penh in the early 2000s. Choeung Ek archaeological site

8316-536: The insurgents were led by a Chinese pirate named Quan-Khiem. He managed to control the northern part of Preah Sihanouk for some time until he—an old man—was arrested by the local governor. One example of infrastructural improvements of this period was the construction of Route Coloniale No. 17, later renamed National Road No.3 and the national railway system , although work on the "Southern Line", from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville, only began in 1960. The city's and province's alternative name, Kampong som (Kampong Som),

8424-532: The last few years. Tourists on rental bikes and common people are often stopped and forced to pay, often based on mere assumptions and unsupported claims. Drivers of vehicles with perceived social status remain generally unmolested. Consequently, the deterrent effect of these activities is very low. In urban and residential areas, an overabundance of motorbikes exists due to the absence of any form of public transportation and taxi cars. Drivers of motorbikes often do not wear helmets, drive indiscriminately on any side of

8532-604: The late-18th century, Outey-Reachea III allied with a Chinese pirate , Mac-Thien-Tu, who had established an autonomous polity based in Ha Tien and controlled the maritime network in the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand. Ha Tien was at a point where a river linking to the Bassac River flows into the Gulf of Thailand. Landlocked Cambodia tried to keep its access to maritime trade through Ha Tien. In 1757, Ha Tien acquired

8640-647: The majority Khmer people and embraced Theravada Buddhism , currently the population is around 4%. Other ethnic minorities are Vietnamese Cambodians who mostly live in Kandal, Phnom Penh , and Kampong Cham, as well as Chinese Cambodians who also live around Kandal and other several provinces. The latter two ethnic groups make up about 2% of the population of Kandal province. The province is subdivided into 10 districts and 3 cities. The districts are further subdivided into 146 communes ( khum ) and 1087 villages. 2 districts Khsach Kandal and Lvea Aem in east Mekong river Religion in Kandal (2019 census) The state religion

8748-437: The municipality and 26,106 ha (64,509 acres) of roads. The agricultural land in the municipality amounts to 34.685 km (13 sq mi) with some 1.476 km (365 acres) under irrigation . Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate ( Köppen climate classification Aw ). The climate is hot year-round with only minor variations. Temperatures typically range from 22 to 35 °C (72 to 95 °F) and weather

8856-477: The north end of central Phnom Penh. " Phnom " is Khmer for "hill" and Penh's hill took on the name of the founder, and the area around it became known after the hill. Phnom Penh first became the capital of Cambodia after Ponhea Yat , king of the Khmer Empire , moved the capital from Angkor Thom after it was captured and destroyed by Siam a few years earlier. There is a stupa behind Wat Phnom that houses

8964-522: The outskirts of the city. Phnom Penh is governed by the governor who acts as the top executive of the city as well as overseeing the Municipal Military Police, Municipal Police, and Bureau of Urban Affairs. Below the governor is the first vice governor and five vice governors. The chief of cabinet, who holds the same status as the vice governors, heads the cabinet consisting of eight deputy chiefs of cabinet who in turn are in charge of

9072-603: The people in Phnom Penh are Buddhists. Chams have been practicing Islam for hundreds of years. A small percentage follow Christianity. Phnom Penh is allocated 12 seats in the National Assembly , making it the largest constituency. Phnom Penh is Cambodia's economic centre as it accounts for a large portion of the Cambodian economy. Double-digit economic growth rates in recent years have triggered an economic boom in Phnom Penh, with new hotels, restaurants, schools, bars, high rises and residential buildings springing up in

9180-417: The permanent seat of government and capital of Cambodia, and the current Royal Palace was built. Beginning in 1870, the French colonial authorities turned a riverside village into a city where they built hotels, schools, prisons, barracks, banks, public works offices, telegraph offices, law courts, and health services buildings. In 1872, the first glimpse of a modern city took shape when King Norodom employed

9288-406: The population was 2–3 million, the bulk of whom were refugees from the fighting. The Khmer Rouge cut off supplies to the city for more than a year before it fell on 17 April 1975 . Reports from journalists stated that the Khmer Rouge shelling "tortured the capital almost continuously", inflicting "random death and mutilation" on millions of trapped civilians. The Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated

9396-515: The port of Kompong Som must have been only of regional significance due to the absence of navigable waterways that connect the port with the kingdom's settlement centers. During the many centuries of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian history – from Funan to Chenla and during the Khmer Empire , regional trade was centered at O Keo (Vietnamese: Óc Eo ) in the Mekong Delta , now the province of Rạch Giá in Vietnam . The township of Prei Nokor ( Saigon )

9504-402: The ports of Kampot and Kompong Som as a reward for Mac's military support to the King of Cambodia. Until its destruction in 1771 the port developed into an independent duty-free entrepôt linked with several Chinese trading networks. Alexander Hamilton , who traveled to the Gulf of Thailand in 1720, wrote that "Kompong Som and Banteay Meas (later Ha Tien) belonged to Cambodia, as Cochin-China

9612-636: The protection of any European nation...The Vietnamese were interfering with the trade at Kampot, and this would be the basis of an approach..." Palmerston concluded: "The trade at Kampot - one of the few remaining ports, could never be considerable, in consequence of the main entrance to the country, the Mekong, with all its feeders flowing into the Sea through the territory of Cochin China The country, too, had been devastated by recent Siam - Vietnam wars. Thus, without

9720-513: The province is no more than 10 meters above sea level. The province also features two of the biggest rivers in the country, the Bassac and Mekong Rivers . The province has a warm and humid tropical climate. The monsoon season normally begins in May and runs through October, while the rest of the year is the dry season. The warmest period of the year occurs between March and May, while the coolest period

9828-488: The remains of Ponhea Yat and the royal family as well as the remaining Buddhist statues from the Angkorean era. In the 17th century, Japanese immigrants also settled on the outskirts of present-day Phnom Penh. A small Portuguese community survived in Phnom Penh until the 17th century, undertaking commercial and religious activity in the country. Phnom Penh remained the royal capital for 73 years, from 1432 to 1505. It

9936-640: The rule of Norodom Sihanouk . During the Vietnam War , Cambodia was used as a base by the People's Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong , and thousands of refugees from across the country flooded the city to escape the fighting between their own government troops, the People's Army of Vietnam, the Viet Cong, the South Vietnamese and their allies, the Khmer Rouge , and American air strikes. By 1975,

10044-444: The services of French contractor Le Faucheur to construct 300 brick houses for sale and rental to Chinese traders . By the 1920s, Phnom Penh was known as the "Pearl of Asia", and over the next four decades, Phnom Penh continued to experience rapid growth with the building of railways to Sihanoukville and Pochentong International Airport (now Phnom Penh International Airport ). Phnom Penh's infrastructure saw major modernisation under

10152-416: The spirit world, living relatives help assuage their misery and guide them back into the cycle of reincarnation. Vesākha is an annual holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists in Cambodia. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment (nirvāṇa), and passing away (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha. The oldest structure is Wat Phnom from the founding days of

10260-405: The street and it is common to see motorbikes with more than two passengers or vehicles driven by children. Traffic lights are often ignored. In 2008, the government ordered the countrywide enforcement of the use of helmets, but the order was not thoroughly enforced. The central long-distance bus station for all transport business operators is on National Highway 4 in the city's north-east near

10368-479: The strengths of the Khmer marine forces during the Khmer Empire . On 22 November 2010, at least 348 people were crushed to death in a bridge stampede at the festival. Ancestors' Day, also called Pchum Ben, is a very important aspect of Cambodian culture. It may be translated as "gathering together" to make offerings and is a time of reunion, commemoration, express love and appreciation for one's ancestors. By offering food and good karma to those possibly trapped in

10476-493: The surrounding areas consist of a typical flood plain area for Cambodia. Although Phnom Penh is at 11.89 metres (39 ft) above the river, monsoon season flooding is a problem, and the river sometimes overflows its banks. The city, at 11°33′00″N 104°55′00″E  /  11.55°N 104.91667°E  / 11.55; 104.91667 (11°33' North, 104°55' East), covers an area of 678.46 square kilometres (262 sq mi), with some 11,401 hectares (28,172 acres) in

10584-482: The turn of the year based on the ancient Khmer calendar and also marks the end of the prior year harvest. The largest annual festival in Phnom Penh, this lively gathering celebrates the reversing of the flow of the Tonlé Sap River. The holiday lasts three days as people flood into the city to enjoy the fireworks, boat races, live concerts, eating and partying. The boat racing dates back to ancient times marking

10692-472: The two days of action, the US commenced air strikes on targets on the mainland of Sihanoukville, including the port, the Ream Naval Base , an airfield, the railroad yard, and the petroleum refinery in addition to strikes and naval gunfire on several islands. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, and the subsequent opening of the economy, the port of Sihanoukville resumed its importance in

10800-483: Was a commercial center of the Khmer Empire. The Chronicle of Samtec Cauva Vamn Juon , one of the 18th and 19th century Cambodian Royal Chronicles , briefly mentions the region as the country was split into three parts during a nine-year civil war from 1476 to 1485: "In 1479, Dhammaraja took on the throne at Chatomuk (Phnom Penh) and controlled the provinces of Samraong Tong, Thbong, Kompong Saom, Kampot up to

10908-524: Was abandoned for 360 years (from 1505 to 1865) by subsequent kings due to internal fighting between the royal pretenders . Later kings moved the capital several times and established their royal capitals at various locations in Tuol Basan ( Srey Santhor ), Pursat , Longvek , Lavear Em and Oudong . It was not until 1866, under the reign of King Norodom I (1860–1904), the eldest son of King Ang Duong , who ruled on behalf of Siam, that Phnom Penh became

11016-479: Was adopted from the local indigenous community. After the dissolution of French Indochina in 1954, the steadily tightening control of the Mekong Delta by Vietnam required a solution to gain unrestricted access to the seas. Plans were made to construct an entirely new deep-water port. Kompong Saom (Kampong Som) was selected for water depth and ease of access. In August 1955, a French/Cambodian construction team cut

11124-497: Was divided from Cambodia by a river (Bassac River) of three leagues broad." and "King Ang Duong constructed a road from his capital of Oudong to Kampot ". Kampot remained the only international seaport of Cambodia. "The traveling time between Udong and Kampot was eight days by oxcart and four days by elephants." French Résident Adhemard Leclère wrote: "...Until 1840s, the Vietnamese governed Kampot and Péam [Mekong Delta], but Kompong Som belonged to Cambodia. The Vietnamese constructed

11232-779: Was formerly called Kang Keng Airport (ព្រលានយន្តហោះ កង កេង), named after the Minister of Health of the Khmer Republican regime during the 1970s. The airport is in Ream Commune in central Sihanoukville Province. It lies close to National Highway 4, only around 500 metres (1,600 feet) from Ream beach atop a former mangrove lagoon , just about 18 kilometres (11 miles) from Sihanoukville City. As of July 2019 , there were close to 200 flights from China to Sihanoukville every week. The last daily national official Sihanoukville city–Krong Koh Kong marine ferry ceased its operation with

11340-658: Was one of the largest kiln pottery center in Cambodia and the earliest known kiln sites in Southeast Asia to produce the ceremonial vessels known as kendi from 5th to 13th century. Archaeologists stated that a large community is surrounded by a circular earthwork structure that is 740 metres in diameter and 4 metres high, built in the 11th century. In addition, there are remnants of other ancient village infrastructure, irrigation system, inscription, Shiva linga as well as an ancient brick temple foundation and its ornate remains which dated back to Funan era. First recorded

11448-483: Was razed in 2008. A movement is rising in Cambodia to preserve this modernist heritage. Old villas are sometimes being converted into boutique hotels , such as the Knai Bang Chatt . Sihanoukville (city) Sihanoukville ( Khmer : ក្រុងព្រះសីហនុ , Krŏng Preăh Seihănŭ [kroŋ prĕəh səjhanuʔ] ), also known as Kampong Saom ( Khmer : កំពង់សោម , Kâmpóng Saôm [kɑmpɔŋ saom] ),

11556-481: Was re-constructed for freight transport during the last years by Toll Holdings , which has obtained a building and maintenance concession from the Royal Cambodian Railway. The "Southern line", constructed from 1960 to 1969 with a length of 264 km (164 mi), connects Sihanoukville Port Special Economic Zone with the capital Phnom Penh . Currently, a daily passenger train service runs from

11664-399: Was the capital of the country. Phnom Penh succeeded Angkor Thom as the capital of the Khmer nation but was abandoned several times before being reestablished in 1865 by King Norodom . The city formerly functioned as a processing center, with textiles, pharmaceuticals, machine manufacturing, and rice milling. Its chief assets, however, were cultural. Institutions of higher learning included

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