World Happiness Report for Cambodia 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Cambodia: 110
- Happiness Score Cambodia:4.341
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Cambodia. KH.
Cambodia is known for its rich history and ancient temples, including the iconic Angkor Wat.Sparsely populated with a predominantly agricultural economy governed as a constitutional monarchy with a Prime Minister as the head of government.
Cambodia – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History and Ancient Civilizations
The region that is now Cambodia has a long and storied history dating back to the ancient Khmer civilization. The powerful Khmer Empire, which flourished from the 9th to the 15th century, left behind an impressive legacy of architectural wonders, including the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kingdoms and Empires
Throughout its history, Cambodia has been home to several influential kingdoms and empires. The Khmer Empire, centered in the Angkor region, was one of the most powerful and culturally significant empires in Southeast Asia, reaching its peak between the 11th and 13th centuries under the reigns of Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII.
Colonial Period
In the 19th century, Cambodia became a French protectorate, marking the beginning of a colonial period that lasted until the mid-20th century. The French influence on Cambodian culture, architecture, and infrastructure was significant, leaving a lasting impact on the country.
Independence and Modern Era
Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953. However, the ensuing decades were marked by political turmoil, civil war, and the brutal Khmer Rouge regime under Pol Pot, which led to the genocide of an estimated 1.5 to 3 million Cambodians between 1975 and 1979. After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Cambodia embarked on a path of reconstruction and reconciliation, though it continued to face challenges, including political instability and socio-economic issues.
Current Political Situation
Cambodia is currently a constitutional monarchy with a multi-party democracy. The ruling Cambodian People’s Party, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, has dominated Cambodian politics for decades. Recent elections have been marred by allegations of irregularities and a crackdown on opposition parties.
International Relations
Cambodia maintains close ties with its Southeast Asian neighbors and is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It also has strong economic and political relations with China, which has invested heavily in Cambodian infrastructure projects. Cambodia’s relationships with Western nations have been strained at times due to concerns over human rights and democratic deficits.
Human Development and Economy
Cambodia’s economy has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven largely by the tourism, garment, construction, and agriculture sectors. However, poverty and income inequality remain major challenges, with a significant portion of the population living below the national poverty line. The country ranks relatively low on the Human Development Index.
Cultural Highlights
Cambodia is known for its rich cultural heritage, with Khmer art, architecture, and dance being particularly renowned. The country is predominantly Buddhist, with Theravada Buddhism playing a significant role in Cambodian society and culture. The Khmer language, which has roots dating back to the Angkorian era, is the official language of Cambodia.
Challenges and Opportunities
Cambodia faces ongoing challenges related to poverty, corruption, environmental degradation, and human rights issues. However, the country’s rich cultural heritage, strategic location, and strong economic growth potential offer opportunities for sustainable development and increased regional and global integration.
Main facts
1. Location
Cambodia is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east and southeast, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
2. Map References
Cambodia is situated in Southeast Asia.
3. Area – Comparative
Cambodia has a total area of approximately 181,035 sq km, making it slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Oklahoma.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Cambodia shares a total land boundary of 2,572 km with the following countries:
5. Coastline (if applicable)
Cambodia has a coastline of 443 km along the Gulf of Thailand.
6. Maritime Claims
Cambodia claims the following maritime zones:
- Territorial Sea: 12 nautical miles
- Contiguous Zone: 24 nautical miles
- Exclusive Economic Zone: 200 nautical miles
- Continental Shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin
7. Climate
Cambodia has a tropical climate characterized by two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April, and a rainy season from May to October. The country experiences high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.
8. Terrain
Cambodia‘s terrain consists of a central plain drained by the Mekong River, with low-lying flatlands in the southeast and mountainous areas in the southwest and north. The Dangrek Mountains form a natural boundary with Thailand in the north.
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest elevation point in Cambodia is Phnum Aoral at 1,810 meters (5,938 feet), located in the Cardamom Mountains. The lowest point is the Gulf of Thailand at 0 meters (0 feet).
10. Natural Resources
Major natural resources in Cambodia include:
- Oil and gas
- Gemstones
- Iron ore
- Manganese
- Phosphates
- Timber
11. Major Bodies of Water
The major bodies of water in Cambodia include:
- Mekong River (shared with Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China)
- Tonlé Sap Lake (connected to the Mekong River)
- Bassac River (shared with Vietnam)
12. Natural Hazards
Common natural hazards in Cambodia include:
- Monsoon rains and associated flooding
- Droughts
- Occasional typhoons
13. Geography – Notes
A notable geographic feature of Cambodia is the Tonlé Sap Lake, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve and one of the world’s most productive inland fisheries. The lake expands significantly during the rainy season due to its unique hydrological system connected to the Mekong River.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 52.90%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 9,919. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 30.90%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 12.565679104.990963.
- Capital: The capital of Cambodia is Phnom Penh
- Major Cities:
- Phnom Penh – Population: 2.1 million
- Siem Reap – Population: 1 million
- Battambang – Population: 250,000
- Sihanoukville – Population: 250,000
- Kampong Cham – Population: 200,000
- Population: 16,486,542
- Area(Km2): 181035
- Population Density( P/Km²):95. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:855
- Official Language(s):Cambodia is Khmer, with 100% of the population speaking it as their primary language.
- Currency:
Main Economic Indicators
Cambodia’s economy is heavily reliant on the textile, agriculture, and tourism sectors, with garment exports and tourism being major drivers of growth. The country has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, with an average GDP growth rate of around 7% between 2010 and 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the Cambodian economy, particularly the tourism and garment sectors. The government has implemented various economic policies to attract foreign investment, promote economic diversification, and improve infrastructure.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
- 2022: 5.4% (estimate)
- 2021: 3.1%
Source: International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Credit Ratings
- Moody’s: B2 (Stable)
- Fitch: B (Positive)
- S&P: B+ (Stable)
As of May 2023
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
- Agriculture: 21.8%
- Industry: 35.6%
- Services: 42.6%
Data from 2021 (estimate)
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Rice, rubber, corn, vegetables, cassava, cashew nuts, mangoes, bananas
Industrial Products: Garments, footwear, construction materials, rubber products, wood products, beverages
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 9.5 million (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: 61st globally (2022)
Current Account Balance
Current Account Balance:
- 2022: -$2.5 billion (estimate)
- 2021: -$3.2 billion
Comparative Ranking: 156th globally (2021)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $18.5 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Export Partners: United States, Germany, Japan, Canada, United Kingdom
Main Exports: Garments, footwear, rubber, rice, construction materials
Imports: $27.3 billion (2022 estimate)
Key Import Partners: China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan
Main Imports: Machinery, construction materials, petroleum products, vehicles, garment inputs
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $22.1 billion (December 2022)
Gold Reserves: 12.44 tons (December 2022)
- GDP (Current US$):$27,089,389,787. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 17.10%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 23.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.90. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 0.68%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Cambodian(s)
Adjective: Cambodian
2. Ethnic Groups
Major ethnic groups:
– Khmer 97.6%
– Cham 1.2%
– Chinese 0.1%
– Other 1.1%
3. Religions
Religious affiliations:
– Buddhist 97.9%
– Muslim 1.1%
– Other 0.5%
– Unaffiliated 0.5%
4. Age Structure
Age distribution:
– 0-14 years: 31.2%
– 15-64 years: 63.6%
– 65 years and over: 5.2%
5. Dependency Ratios
Dependency ratios:
– Total dependency ratio: 57.4%
– Youth dependency ratio: 48.9%
– Elderly dependency ratio: 8.5%
6. Median Age
Median age:
– Total: 26.4 years
– Male: 25.5 years
– Female: 27.4 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Lifestyle statistics:
– Obesity rate: 3.9%
– Alcohol consumption (per capita): 6.8 liters of pure alcohol per year
– Tobacco use: 16.9% of adults smoke tobacco
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 69.6. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 77.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:22.46. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:7. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 2.3. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 32.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 3,924,621. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):59.40%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Cambodia’s military forces are comprised of three main branches: the Royal Cambodian Army, the Royal Cambodian Navy, and the Royal Cambodian Air Force. The National Police of Cambodia is responsible for maintaining internal security, supported by the gendarmerie, a paramilitary force. Cambodia does not have any notable foreign legions or elite tactical units.
Military Expenditures
Cambodia’s military expenditure as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2021: 2.2%
- 2020: 2.3%
- 2019: 2.1%
- 2018: 2.2%
- 2017: 2.0%
Cambodia’s military spending ranks among the lower end globally, around the 100th position.
Personnel Strengths
Cambodia has approximately 165,000 active-duty military personnel, with the following breakdown:
- Royal Cambodian Army: 125,000
- Royal Cambodian Navy: 5,000
- Royal Cambodian Air Force: 3,000
The National Police and gendarmerie forces comprise an additional 60,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Cambodia’s military equipment inventory primarily consists of Soviet and Chinese-origin hardware, including:
- Main Battle Tanks: T-55, T-54
- Armored Personnel Carriers: BTR-60, EE-11 Urutu
- Artillery: D-30, M-30, M-46
- Combat Aircraft: MiG-21, L-39 Albatros, Harbin Y-12
Cambodia has ongoing modernization efforts, with recent acquisitions of Chinese-made armored vehicles, transport aircraft, and patrol boats.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Cambodia has a voluntary military service system. The minimum age for enlistment is 18 years. There is no mandatory military conscription in place.
Military Deployments
Cambodia currently has a small contingent of troops deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission. Apart from this, Cambodia does not have any significant overseas military deployments.
Strategic Military Notes
Cambodia’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining territorial integrity, protecting borders, and supporting internal security operations. The military plays a limited role in international security efforts, primarily through participation in UN peacekeeping missions. Cambodia is not a member of any major military alliances but maintains close defense ties with China and other ASEAN countries.
- Armed Forces Size: 124300. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.17
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 82.30%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.