Government
Coming to power in 1993, the new Kingdom of Cambodia is a
Constitutional Monarchy, with the government headed by a democratically
elected Prime Minister, elected for a five-year term, and
a National Assembly composed of 122 representatives holding
legislative power, also elected for a term of five years.
King Norodom Sihanouk has been the Head of State and reigning
monarch since 1993 with Hun Sen as Prime Minister since 1998.
Economy
With almost 90% of the people living in rural areas, it is
hardly surprising that agriculture is the primary industry
of Cambodia. The population of the capital fluctuates according
to the time of year, declining during the monsoon, and increasing
during the dry season. Rice, rubber, cassava, sweet potatoes,
corn, soy beans and tobacco are the main products.
The country manufactures cement, rubber, cigarettes, and
garments. Though rubies are mined for export, it is tourism
that is the top foreign exchange earner.
After four years of promising macroeconomic performance,
Cambodia's economy slowed in 1997-98, following the regional
economic crisis, and foreign investment declined. Even given
political and economic stability, the task of long-term economic
development after decades of conflict remains huge. Outside
the major cities, human resources are low and basic infrastructure
problems are impeding progress.
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