Country Focus: Cambodia

Officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, Cambodia is a South-East Asian country located in the Peninsula of Indo-China.

With a population of more than 15 million people, Cambodia achieved independence in 1953 from France. Today, Cambodia is an independent and sovereign nation and a member of ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations), a regional grouping of 10 South-East Asian countries.

Buddhism is the official and main religion and about 97% of Cambodians identify themselves as Buddhists.

While Cambodia's per capita income remains relatively low when compared to its neighbours in South-East Asia, the country is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia in the last decade. Agriculture is the dominant industry. This is supported by other sectors such as textile, garment and construction. Tourism has also been one of the leading industries, bringing in much needed foreign investments recently.

Cambodia is well-connected via air routes to its main international airports in its capital city Phenom Penh (IATA: PNH) and tourism hub Siem Reap (IATA: REP), with direct flights to and from most major South-East Asian cities and many other cities internationally. Land crossings with immediate neighbours Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam are also available. But most international arrivals, especially tourists, access the country via direct flights or transit at major international air hubs in the region, including Bangkok (IATA: BKK), Singapore (IATA: SIN) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL).

The national currency is the Riel but the US Dollar is usually accepted by local traders and shops, although this practice may not be officially recognised or encouraged. Credit cards are accepted by larger business organisations such as Banks, Hotels and Restaurants.