Profile of the Preah Sihanouk Province

Introduction

The Sub-degree of Royal Government of Cambodia No. 07 dated 09 January 2009, upgraded Sihanoukville into a Province which converts the khans/districts into municipality and districts. Before the Sub-Decree, Sihanoukville was only a municipality with three districts, but today, Preak Sihanouk Province has expanded and covers a municipality and three districts.

The Province of Preah Sihanouk is designated as one of the three economic development areas in Cambodia. It is the site of country’s only deep sea water port, serving as a commercial gate way to local and international trade, sharing about 435 Km (270 miles) of the Gulf of Thailand. The Province of Preah Sihanouk’s water is teeming with life, its bays and estuaries abounding with fishery resource. The coastal resource of the Province has provided significant livelihood opportunities in fishery production, trade services, industrial tourism and eco-tourism.

The Province is also considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia. It has a great potential for eco-tourism, with its unspoiled beaches and nature-based tourism activities in Ream National Park and the islands. There are a good offering of tourist facilitates and services, accommodating a rapidly increasing number of tourists annually. Because of this, a long-team plan must be developed to respond to the increasing pressure that the industry may exert on the coastal environment of the Province.

Management Administration

City Basic Profile

· Total Population : 199,902¹

· % Total National Population: 1.5

· Total Land Area: 2,397 km² (1,489 sq mi)

· The Coastal Line: 119.50 km² (74.25 sq mi)

· Density: 83.39/km² (134.25/mi)

· Total of Municipality 3

· Total of District/: ?

· Total of Communes/Sangkat: 26

- Urban Communes/Sangkat: 5

- Rural Communes/Sangkat: 21

· Total of Villages: 109

- Urban Villages: 19

- Rural Villages: 90

· Major Ethnic Groups: Khmer, Vietnamese, Cham, Thai and French.

· Religion: Buddhism (85%), Muslims and Christians (15%).

· Income Sources: Agriculture, forestry, tourism, fisheries, industry, harbor development, navigation, nature conservation and oil exploration.

· Unique features: Pristine-clean beaches, harbors (the only deep water port in Cambodia), rich cultural heritage (pagodas, gardens, waterfalls, hill view points, islands and nightlife.

· Living condition: High level 20%, Medium level 50% and Low level 30%.