Economy Overview
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. In 1999, the first full year of peace in 30 years, progress was made on economic reforms and growth resumed at 4%. GDP growth for 2000 had been projected to reach 5.5%, but the worst flooding in 70 years severely damaged agricultural crops, and high oil prices hurt industrial production, and growth for the year is estimated at only 4%. Tourism is Cambodia's fastest growing industry, with arrivals up 34% in 2000. 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. Fear of renewed political instability and corruption within the 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.
Agriculture Products
rice, rubber, corn, vegetables
Industries
garments, tourism, 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
147 million kWh (1999)
Electricity production by source
Fossil fuel: 59.18%
Hydro: 40.82%
Nuclear: 0%
Other: 0% (1999)
Electricity Consumption
136.7 million kWh (1999)
Electricity Exports
0 kWh (1999)
Electricity Imports
0 kWh (1999)
Unemployment Rate
2.8% (1999 est.)
Population Below Poverty Line
36% (1997 est.)
Household Income or Consumption by Percentage Share
Lowest 10%: 2.9%
Highest 10%: 33.8% (1997)
Budget
Revenues: $363 million
Expenditures: $532 million, including capital expenditures of $225 million (2000 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
riels per US dollar - 3,909.0 (January 2001), 3,840.8 (2000), 3,807.8 (1999), 3,744.4 (1998), 2,946.3 (1997), 2,624.1 (1996)
