People and Culture

The population of the Province of Preah Sihanouk is approximately 181,968

(2009), with an average population density of 75.9/km². A majority of the population (83,035) is located in the district of Prey Nup, along the rivers and estuaries of the Veal Renh. Prey Nup is home to some of the original settlers and a majority of the Moslem communities.

The most densely populated area, with a population of 89.238, is the business town/city of Sihanoukville, where a majority of the trades people and industries have settled. Stung Hav district with a population of 15,177, people is the least populated and youngest community of.

Preah Sihanouk Province, in the early 1980s people from Sihanoukville City was relocated to Stung Hav and have established their livelihood around the near-shore fishery of Kompong Som Bay. Certain components of the Province of Preah Sihanouk’s population are transient, with many sailors, seasonal agricultural and port worker creating a fluctuating population.

Education

The literacy rate (number of literate people over the age of 7 years) is 64.1 %. Fifty-five point seven percent (55.7%) of these people are male and 44% are female.

Culture

The population of Preah Sihanouk Province is predominantly Khmer. Other ethnic groups include Cham, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese. As a consequence, the majority (85%) of the people in Preah Sihanouk Province are Buddhist by faith. The important Buddhist ceremonies are Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben. Some Khmer also follow animist practices, and pray to spirits such as Arak and Neakta. The remaining part of the population consists of Cham people, who are Moslem, and Christians.