Country | Cambodia |
Area | 679 km2 (262 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+07:00 (ICT) |
Coordinates | 11.56245, 104.91601 |
Highest elevation | 11.89 m (39.01 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital and largest city, is an economic, industrial, and cultural hub with a rich history and dynamic urban landscape. Founded in 1372 and situated at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers, Phnom Penh is home to over 2 million residents, which accounts for about 14% of Cambodia’s population. The Greater Phnom Penh area also includes nearby Ta Khmau city and parts of Kandal province.
The city succeeded Angkor Thom as the Khmer nation’s capital but faced periods of abandonment before being reestablished in 1865 by King Norodom during the French colonial era. Phnom Penh is renowned for its historical architecture, including surviving colonial-era buildings and early 20th-century French colonial and Art Deco works, earning it the nickname “Pearl of Asia.”
Phnom Penh is a vital educational center, housing institutions like the Royal University of Phnom Penh, established in 1960, which offers programs in engineering, fine arts, technology, and agricultural sciences. Other notable educational institutions include the Royal University of Agronomic Sciences and the Agricultural School of Prek Leap.
The city’s strategic location on major rivers has historically made it a processing center for textiles, pharmaceuticals, machine manufacturing, and rice milling. Today, it remains a crucial cultural and economic center, attracting both global and domestic tourists. Key attractions include the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum of Cambodia, which showcases Khmer art and artifacts.
Phnom Penh has hosted significant regional and international events, including the ASEAN Summit (2002, 2012, and 2022), the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, and the 12th ASEAN Para Games. The city is set to host the Asian Youth Games in 2029, marking its growing importance in the region.
Despite its rapid modernization and development, Phnom Penh retains much of its historical charm, with grand boulevards lined with colonial-era buildings and vibrant markets. The city’s urban fabric is a blend of the old and new, reflecting its storied past and dynamic present, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
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