Economy Overview
After four years of solid macroeconomic performance, Cambodia's economy slowed dramatically in 1997-98 due to the regional economic crisis, civil violence, and political infighting. Foreign investment and tourism fell off. Also, in 1998 the main harvest was hit by drought. But in 1999, the first full year of peace in 30 years, progress was made on economic reforms and growth resumed at 4%. The long-term development of the economy after decades of war remains a daunting challenge. The population lacks education and productive skills, particularly in the poverty-ridden countryside, which suffers from an almost total lack of basic infrastructure. Recurring political instability and corruption within government discourage foreign investment and delay foreign aid. On the brighter side, the government is addressing these issues with assistance from bilateral and multilateral donors. So long as political stability lasts, the Cambodian economy is likely to grow at a respectable pace.
Agriculture Products
rice, rubber, corn, vegetables
Industries
garments, rice milling, fishing, wood and wood products, rubber, cement, gem mining, textiles
Industrial Production Growth Rate
NA%
Labor Force
6 million (1998 est.)
Electricity production
210 million kWh (1998)
Electricity production by source
Fossil fuel: 59.52%
Hydro: 40.48%
Nuclear: 0%
Other: 0% (1998)
Electricity Consumption
195 million kWh (1998)
Electricity Exports
0 kWh (1998)
Electricity Imports
0 kWh (1998)
Currency
1 new riel (CR) = 100 sen
Unemployment Rate
2.8% (1999 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line
36% (1997 est.)
Household Income or Consumption by Percentage Share
Lowest 10%: NA%
Highest 10%: NA%
Budget
Revenues: $327 million
Expenditures: $393 million, including capital expenditures of $NA (1999 est.)
Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate
Market Value of Publicly Traded Shares
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Debt External
$829 million (1999 est.)
Stock of Direct Foreign Investment at Home
Stock of Direct Foreign Investment Abroad
Exchange Rates
new riels (CR) per US$1 - 3,786.0 (January 2000), 3,807.8 (1999), 3,744.4 (1998), 2,946.3 (1997), 2,624.1 (1996), 2,450.8 (1995)
