Sihanoukville Province

Sihanoukville Province
ខេត្តព្រះសីហនុ
Khaet Preah Sihanouk
Preah Sihanouk Province
Province

Ochheuteal Beach


Map of Cambodia
highlighting Sihanoukville Province
Coordinates: 10°37′24″N 103°31′30″E / 10.62333°N 103.52500°E / 10.62333; 103.52500Coordinates: 10°37′24″N 103°31′30″E / 10.62333°N 103.52500°E / 10.62333; 103.52500
Country  Cambodia
Official 2008
Capital Sihanoukville
Government
 • Governor Yon Min (formerly Chhit Sokhom[1]) (CPP)
Area
 • Total 2,536.68 km2 (979.42 sq mi)
Elevation 316 m (1,037 ft)
Population (2008)[2]
 • Total 199,902
 • Density 79/km2 (200/sq mi)
  Provincial population
Human Development Index
 • HDI Increase0.750 (high)
Time zone UTC+07
Postcode 18000
Dialing code 034
ISO 3166 code KH-18
Districts 4
Communes 26
Villages 108[3]

Sihanoukville Province, also known as Preah Sihanouk Province (Khmer: ខេត្តព្រះសីហនុ, Khaet Preah Sihanouk), is a province (ខេត្ត, khaet) in the south-west of Cambodia at the Gulf of Thailand. The provincial capital, also called Sihanoukville, is a deep-water port city, the country's premier tourist destination and a steadily growing and diversifying urban center located on an elevated peninsula.[4]

The province is named in honor of former king Norodom Sihanouk, who personally orchestrated the establishment of Sihanoukville city and the Sihanoukville municipality as this took place alongside the construction of the Sihanoukville Port, which commenced in June 1955. The only deep water port of Cambodia includes a mineral Oil terminal and a transport logistics facility.[5]

Sihanoukville Province is divided into four districts, each with a distinct economic character, defined largely by location and access to resources.[6] In addition to the port and the growing tourism industry, the activities of countless NGO's and international investment have contributed to an unprecedented economic growth of the province over the course of the last decade.[7] Economic sectors that deserve mentioning are the transport & logistics industry, process manufacturing, agriculture & fishery, textile industry and the real estate market.

The islands and beaches of Sihanoukville province are an international tourist destination as visitor numbers have risen steadily since the late 20th century.[8][9]

The initial Sihanoukville municipality was elevated to a regular province on 22 December 2008 after King Norodom Sihamoni signed a Royal Decree converting the municipalities of Kep, Pailin and Sihanoukville into provinces, as well as incorporating Kompong Seila district.[10][11] As one of Cambodia's agriculturally and industrially most diverse province its economic future has a solid basis, although the essential sectors agriculture and tourism require a strict and permanent administrative protection of the local natural resources.[12][13][14]

Etymology

The official name in Khmer is: Khaet (province) Preah (holy) Sihanouk (name of the former king), which adds up to: "Province of the holy Sihanouk" or "Honorable Sihanouk Province". It honors the former king Norodom Sihanouk (reigned 1941–1955 and 1993–2004) who was and still is revered as the Father of the modern Nation,.[15] Sihanouk himself suggested the official Western variant Sihanoukville. The name "Sihanouk" is derived from Sanskrit through two Pali words: Siha (lion), and Hanu (jaws).

The former name, Kompong Saom (also romanized as Kompong Som and Kampong Som), (Khmer: កំពង់សោម) means "Port of the Moon" or "Shiva's Port".[16] Saom is derived from the Sanskrit word "saumya", the original (Rig Vedic) meaning of which was "Soma, the juice or sacrifice of the moon-god", but evolved into Pali "moon", "moonlike" "name of Shiva".[17] The word Kampong or Kompong is of Malayan origin[18] and means village or hamlet. Its meaning underwent extension towards pier or river landing bridge.[19]

History

Main article: History of Cambodia

Classical Period (before 1700)

Prior to the ports' and city's foundation works of 1955, no recorded settlement on the peninsula existed that was larger than a traditional trade and/or - fishing community. During the many centuries of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian history – from Funan to Chenla and during the Khmer Empire, regional trade was centered at O Keo (Vietnamese: Óc Eo) in the Mekong Delta, now the province of Rạch Giá in Vietnam. The township of Prei Nokor (Saigon) was a commercial center of the Khmer Empire.[20][21] The Chronicle of Samtec Cauva Vamn Juon – one of the 18th- and 19th-century Cambodian Royal Chronicles – briefly mentions the region as the country was split into 3 parts during a 9-year civil war from 1476 to 1485: "In 1479, Dhammaraja took on the throne at Catumukh (Phnom Penh) and controlled the provinces of Samrong Tong, Thpong, Kompong Saom, Kampot up to the Bassak, Preah Trapeang, Kramuon Sar, Koh Slaket and Peam".[22]

Early Modern Period (around 1700 – 1863)

From the end of the seventeenth century, Cambodia lost control of the Mekong River route as Vietnamese power expanded into the lower Mekong. During the Nguyen-Siamese War (1717–18) a Siamese fleet burned the port of Kompong Som in 1717 but was defeated by the Vietnamese at Banteay Meas/Ha Tien.[23] A Cambodian king of the late eighteenth century, Outey-Reachea III allied with a Chinese pirate,[24] Mac-Thien-Tu, who had established an autonomous polity based in Ha Tien and controlled the maritime network on the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand.[25] Ha Tien was located at a point where a river linking to the Bassac River flows into the Gulf of Thailand. Landlocked Cambodia tried to keep its access to maritime trade through Ha Tien. In 1757 Ha Tien acquired the ports of Kampot and Kompong Som as a reward for Mac's military support to the King of Cambodia. Until its destruction in 1771 the port developed into an independent duty-free entrepot - linked with several Chinese trading networks.[26]

Alexander Hamilton, who traveled on the Gulf of Thailand in 1720, wrote that "Kompong Som and Banteay Meas (later Ha Tien) belonged to Cambodia, as Cochin-China was divided from Cambodia by a river (Bassac river) of three leagues broad." and "King Ang Duong constructed a road from his capital of Oudong to Kampot". Kampot remained the only international seaport of Cambodia. "The traveling time between Udong and Kampot was eight days by oxcart and four days by elephants." French Résident Adhemard Leclère wrote: "...Until 1840s, the Vietnamese governed Kampot and Péam [Mekong Delta], but Kompong Som belonged to Cambodia. The Vietnamese constructed a road from Ha Tien to Svai village - on the border with Kompong-Som - via Kampot."[27]

The British Empire followed a distinct policy by the 1850s, seeking to consolidate its influence. Eye witness reports give rare insights, as Foreign Secretary Lord Palmerston's agent John Crawfurd reports: "Cambodia was...the Keystone of our policy in these countries, - the King of that ancient Kingdom is ready to throw himself under the protection of any European nation...The Vietnamese were interfering with the trade at Kampot, and this would be the basis of an approach..." Palmerston concluded: "The trade at Kampot - one of the few remaining ports, could never be considerable, in consequence of the main entrance to the country, the Mekong, with all its feeders flowing into the Sea through the territory of Cochin China The country, too, had been devastated by recent Siam - Vietnam wars. Thus, without the aid of Great Britain, Kampot or any other port in Cambodia, can never become a commercial Emporium." Crawfurd later wrote: "The Cambodians... sought to use intervals of peace in the Siam - Vietnam wars to develop intercourse with outside nations. The trade at Kampot which they sought to foster was imperiled by pirates. Here is a point where the wedge might be inserted, that would open the interior of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula to British Commerce, as the great River of the Cambodians traverses its entire length and even affords communication into the heart of Siam".[28]

French Rule (1863 - 1954)

French civil servant Auguste Pavie (center)
and Pierre Lefèvre-Pontalis in 1893
with Cambodian interpreters

Under French rule Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia became a single administrative and economic unit. The coastal region Circonscription Résidentielle with Kampot as its capital contained the Arrondissements of Kampot, Kompong Som, Trang and Kong-Pisey. The establishment of another international trading center near the existing city of Saigon was not considered necessary. Focus remained the Mekong, and the idea to establish an alternative route to Chinese and Thai internal markets along an uninterrupted navigable waterway from the Red River to the Mekong Delta.

Insurrection

An insurrection that took place from 1885 to 1887 further discouraged French ambition. It started in Kampot and quickly spread to Veal Rinh, Kampong Seila, and Kompong Som, where the insurgents were led by a Chinese pirate named Quan-Khiem. He managed to control the northern part of Preah Sihanouk for some time until he - an old man - was arrested by Preah Sihanouk's governor.[29]

The most notable infrastructural improvements of this period were the construction of Route Coloniale No.17, later renamed National Road No.3 and the national railway system, although work on the "Southern Line" - from Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville - only began in 1960.

After Independence (since 1954)

The city's and province's alternative name Kompong Saom (Kampong Som) was adopted from the local indigenous community. After the dissolution of French Indochina in 1954, it became apparent that the steadily tightening control of the Mekong Delta by Vietnam required a solution to gain unrestricted access to the seas. Plans were made to construct an entirely new deep-water port. Kompong Saom (Kampong Som) was selected for water depth and ease of access. In August 1955, a French/Cambodian construction team cut a base camp into the unoccupied jungle in the area that is now known as Hawaii Beach. Funds for construction of the port came from France and the road was financed by the USA.[30]

During the Vietnam War the port became an intensive military facility on both sides, in the service of National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam and after 1970, under the government of Lon Nol, in the service of the United States.[31]

The port was the last place to be evacuated by the US Army, only days before Khmer Rouge guerrillas took control of the government in April 1975. The events surrounding the taking of the US container ship SS Mayaguez and its crew on 12 May by the Khmer Rouge and the subsequent rescue operation by US Marines played out on the waters of Koh Tang off the coast of Sihanoukville. During the two days of action, the US commenced air strikes on targets on the mainland of Sihanoukville including the port, the Ream Naval Base, an airfield, the railroad yard and the petroleum refinery in addition to strikes and naval gun fire on several islands.[32]

After the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979 and the subsequent opening of the economy, the port of Sihanoukville resumed its importance in the development and recovery of the country. With the further opening of new markets in 1999, the city regained its role in the economic growth of Cambodia.

In 1993, the Ream National Park was established per royal decree of former King Sihanouk.[33]

The Sihanoukville Municipality was elevated to a regular province on 22 December 2008 after King Norodom Sihamoni signed a Royal Decree converting the municipalities of Kep, Pailin and Sihanoukville into provinces.[34]

In 2006 the Koh Puos (Cambodia) Investment Group submitted an application, planning to invest $276 million in converting the 116-hectare Koh Puos - Snake island into a luxury residential - and resort complex. After the completion of certain elements of the infrastructure, the investor announced alterations of the original blueprints, as "Reapplying for permission will happen in 2014..." according to the Council of the Development of Cambodia.[35][36]

On 26 May 2011 Preah Sihanouk area joined the Paris-based club Les Plus Belles Baies Du Monde (The most Beautiful Bays in the World). The organisation officially accepts the Bay of Cambodia as one of its members at the 7th General Assembly.[37]

Geography

Main article: Geography of Cambodia
Tourists at Serendipity Beach

Sihanoukville province is located at the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in southern Cambodia, occupying an area of 2536 km2 that includes the foothills of the Elephant Mountains and a sizable peninsula. Moderately developed beaches, a National Park and a number of pristine islands in proximity are natural assets that attract national and foreign visitors. A small group of islands dot the near coast due south and west. Sihanoukville province borders Koh Kong and Kampong Speu province to the North and West, Kampot province to the East and the Gulf of Thailand to the South.

The peninsula is separated from the central plains of Cambodia by the Elephant Mountains. The province incorporates the Ream National Park with a size of 210 km2 that includes the islands of Koh Thmei and Koh Seh.[38]

Coastal plains between Sihanoukville and Ream

Being a comparatively small province, Sihanoukville province has only two urban centers: the Sihanoukville city itself and Veal Rinh in the Prey Nob District, 46 kilometers north of Sihanoukville town. Prey Nob district in the East is predominantly rural and agricultural. Stung Hauv district in the north-west, only half the size of Prey Nob has the largest fishery sector of the province. Kampong Seila district in the North is still in the process of incorporation. Mittakpheap district in the south about the size of Stung Hauv, including the islands of Sangkat Koh Rong is one of the most advanced settlement centers of Cambodia with a developed and versatile industry, a large pool of skilled work force and a high HDI.

The province is connected to Phnom Penh by National Highway No 4; to Kampot Province by National Highway No 3 and to Koh Kong Province by National Highway No 48. National Highway No 4 represents the southern end of Asian Highway 11, which in turn is a section of the Asian Highway Network.

Sihanoukville town: The town’s layout reflects little structural planning. Neighborhoods accumulate around the major road "Ekreach(Engl.=independence)". It winds along the headland's rolling hills and halfway between Victory Hill in the north - and Ochheuteal quarter in the south are banks, shops, the local markets, hotels, administrative facilities and most corporate businesses. The post office and the inter-provincial bus station are located towards the north between Victory Hill and the port.

Beaches

Sihanoukville's beaches are one of the province's most valuable economic resource with varying degrees of commercial exploitation. The beaches listed below do not include any of the island's beaches.

Casuarina tree
Independence Beach panoramic view with recently built jetty, October 2014

Islands

Clear shoreline of Bamboo Island

There are 22 islands administered by Sihanoukville province. An increasing number are either in the process of or have been assigned for extensive touristic development. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem in particular have so far undergone years of unplanned development with plenty of guesthouses and bungalow resorts that offer accommodation.

Koh Rong Sanloem Island, Saracen Bay Beach

Climate

Worldwide zones of tropical monsoon climate (Am).

Sihanoukville lies in the Tropical monsoon (Am) climate zone. The city has two seasons: a wet season and a dry season. Monthly averages range from 14 °C (57.2 °F) in January to 36.0 °C (96.8 °F) in July.

The maximum mean is about 30 °C ; the minimum mean, about 24 °C. Maximum temperatures of higher than 32 °C (89.6 °F), however, are common and, just before the start of the rainy season, they may rise to more than 38 °C (100.4 °F). Minimum temperatures rarely fall below 20 °C (50 °F). January is the coolest month, and April is the warmest. Tropical cyclones cause much less damage in Cambodia than they do in Vietnam.[47]

The total annual rainfall average is between 1,000 and 1,500 millimeters (39.4 and 59.1 in). The heaviest amounts fall in August and September. The relative humidity is high at night throughout the year; usually it exceeds 90 percent. During the daytime in the dry season, humidity averages about 50 percent or slightly lower, but it may remain about 60 percent in the rainy period.

Climate data for Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 31.3
(88.3)		 31.2
(88.2)		 32.1
(89.8)		 33.7
(92.7)		 32.3
(90.1)		 31.2
(88.2)		 30.0
(86)		 30.8
(87.4)		 30.8
(87.4)		 30.8
(87.4)		 31.2
(88.2)		 31.7
(89.1)		 31.43
(88.57)
Average low °C (°F) 23.9
(75)		 24.6
(76.3)		 25.4
(77.7)		 25.0
(77)		 26.8
(80.2)		 26.3
(79.3)		 25.9
(78.6)		 25.1
(77.2)		 25.2
(77.4)		 24.7
(76.5)		 24.4
(75.9)		 23.5
(74.3)		 25.07
(77.12)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 28.3
(1.114)		 25.2
(0.992)		 50.3
(1.98)		 124.8
(4.913)		 207.3
(8.161)		 252.7
(9.949)		 341.4
(13.441)		 377.2
(14.85)		 320.6
(12.622)		 290.4
(11.433)		 138.2
(5.441)		 54.4
(2.142)		 2,210.8
(87.038)
Source: world weather online[48]

Economy

Angkor Beer bottles
Main article: Economy of Cambodia

The economy of Sihanoukville province is very varied but to a great part defined by its international port and the nearby oil port with numerous import - and export companies settled in the area and the attached freight-transport sector with the local cargo storage facilities. Other sizable economic sectors of the province are fishery, aquaculture, agriculture, mining, frozen shrimp processing, the garment industry, the real estate market and the vast tourism industry.[49] Sihanoukville is the home of Angkor Beer, one of Cambodia's major breweries.

businesses according to people employed (whole province)
Size of Establishment Number of Establishments
1-10 persons 10,424
11-50 persons 177
51-100 persons 19
101 or more 29
Total 10.649
Source: Cambodiainvestment - Preah-Sihanouk-Province[50]

Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone

Sihanoukville's Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) as seen from National Highway No. 4 near Ream commune

The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone (SSEZ) is an overseas economic and trade cooperation zone which was designed to promote favorable market conditions[51] such as: policy advantages, a safe political environment, favorable trade status, completed infrastructure supporting, low labor cost and excellent services, among others. In addition to its areas around the port, a sizable industrial center, exclusively composed of Chinese companies has been developed since around 2010.[52]

Sihanoukville Autonomous Port

The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port has an independent administration. In combination with the related logistics - and transport sector it is the city's economic backbone.

At present, the total operational land area of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port is around 124.76 ha. The Old Jetty was constructed in 1956 and became operational in 1960. The jetty is 290m long by 28m wide and can accommodate 4 vessels with medium GRT at both sides. The exterior berth is -8.50m-13m depth, while the interior berth is -7.50m -8.50m depth.

In order to cope with the increasing rates of cargo throughput, the Royal Government of Cambodia had constructed another 350 m (1,148 ft) long new quay with −10.5 m (−34 ft) maximum draft in 1966. At present, this new quay can accommodate 3 vessels with −7 m (−23 ft) draft medium GRT.[53] The construction of the Container Terminal, 400 m (1,312 ft) long by −10.5 m (−34 ft) depth and a 6.5 ha (16 acres) container yard was completed in March 2007.[54]

Sihanoukville Autonomous Port Traffic Rates[55]
Item 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 9M2009
Gross Throughput (Tons) 1,772,361 1,503,050 1,380,847 1,586,791 1,818,877 2,057,967 1,405,338
Not Included Fuel 1,454,856 1,242,011 1,131,699 1,320,102 1,428,992 1,605,672 958,279
Not Include Fuel &Cont. 650,329 308,153 107,929 197,573 193,573 291,114 162,520
Cargo Containerized 804,527 933,858 1,023,770 1,122,529 1,235,419 1,314,559 795,759
Container Throughput (TEUs) 181,286 213,916 211,141 231,036 253,271 258,775 157,639
Vessel Calling (Units) 878 730 686 912 876 954 642
Primary Destinations: Singapore, Hong Kong,  Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai, Laem Chabang, Yantian, Kaohsiung
Frequency of scheduled services: 38/week[56]
Rice paddies in Prei Nob, October 2014

Agriculture

As one of Cambodia's smallest provinces numbers of rice tonnage (37,211) are of little relevance for the annual statistics. Still Preah Sihanouk province has been able to diversify in subsidiary and industrial crops, fruits and permanent crops and incorporates fishery (40,100 tons) into the sector.[56]

Fishery

Although the province is endowed with relatively abundant natural resources, protection thereof is of greatest significance. Pollution remains a concern particularly from trade vessels, domestic waste, and local industry. Resources are being indiscriminately diminished by illegal fishing via the neighboring countries. Seagrass beds and coral reefs are also under continued stress from over-exploitation and destructive activities.[57]

The catching and processing of marine fishery products is undertaken by both small-scale family style operations as well as on a large commercial level. Most coastal fishers lack the resources to procure suitable fishing equipment for coastal fishing. They, thus, tend to use small-scale fishing gear appropriate for insland use. The offshore net catch capacity of Cambodian fishers is relatively small compared to the available exploitation potential. The marine component of the fisheries sector in Cambodia is not nearly as important as that of the inland areas because of consumer's preference for inland fish species.[58]

Transport

Roads and streets

malfunctioning traffic light
Moto-dups (taxi motobikes) wait for customers at "Psar Peanichakam", Sihanoukville.

Streets in Sihanoukville town and province are in relative good condition. However, traffic does not follow Cambodian Traffic law[61] and rules, the police does little in the way of enforcement of international norms. Cambodia follows the right-hand traffic. In urban and residential areas there is an overabundance of motorbikes due to the absence of public transportation and taxis. Highways and Sihanoukville city are considered unsafe for driving. Drivers of motorbikes do not wear helmets, drive indiscriminately on any side of the street, do not have mirrors and it is common to see motorbikes with more than two passengers or vehicles driven by children and underaged people. Traffic lights are being ignored altogether.[62] In 2008 the government ordered the enforcement of the use of helmets countrywide, but these rules are not yet followed.[63]

The province does not have a scheduled public transportation system. Therefore, there exists an informal communal and urban transportation system of mini buses, taxis, motor-taxis (moto-dups) and tuk-tuks. This system is not administered by authorities, as anybody can become a bus -, motor-taxi - or tuk-tuk driver. As a consequence, prices of services are ad-hoc, insurance non-existent and service quality varies considerable. It is recommended that foreign visitors confirm prices before using any of these services and ask advice from tourist agencies and hotels.[64]

Airport

Veal Rinh town in Prey Nob District, Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia, 2015

The province is served by the Sihanoukville International Airport, 18 kilometres (11 mi) from Sihanoukville town, although by 2014 it sees limited commercial operation. The airport currently only schedules national passenger flights of Cambodia Angkor Air to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.

The Airports former name Kaong Kang (កោងកាង = mangrove) Airport reflects its location on top of a drained mangrove marsh by the sea in Ream commune in southern Sihanoukville province, 18 kilometers from Sihanoukville town, near the National Highway 4.

Buses and Long distance taxis

Long distance-buses start in Sihanoukville city near the port. Cambodia is home to many competing companies[65] that offer frequent services from/to all major provinces. Direct destinations are Phnom Penh, Koh Kong and Kampot. Some companies offer services to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap through a connection in Phnom Penh.

Marine Transport, Island Access, Ferries

The last daily national official marine ferry service from/to Sihanoukville city to/from Krong Koh Kong ceased operation with the completion of National Highway 48 in 2007.

Koh Rong island and Koh Rong Sanloem island have daily ferry service.[44]

Access to smaller islands is generally provided by local holiday resorts, dive operators or private operators. Additionally, small long-tail boats and medium size cruising boats can be individually hired for sightseeing, fishing, diving and drinking trips at guest-houses, travel agencies and diving operators.

Marina Oceania - the first marina in Cambodia operational and fully equipped since 2013 for yachts and boats up to 25 meters with 4-5 meter deep berths for 20 boats. It is situated at the local port's pier, near Koh Preab island. (coordinates: 10° 39' 59" N / 103° 30' 41" E).[66]

Holiday Cruise ships infrequently stop by at the port during their voyages in South-East Asia.[67]

Rail Transport

The moderate railway network of Cambodia was re-constructed for freight transport during the last years by Toll Holdings, which has obtained a building and maintenance concession from the Royal Cambodian Railway.[68] The "Southern line", constructed 1960-1969 with a length of 264 km, connects the Sihanoukville Port Special Economic Zone with the capital Phnom Penh.

The currently rather deteriorated train station near the Autonomous Port used to manage passenger train transportation to Phnom Penh via Kampot before 1975.

Demographics

The 2008 census of Cambodia counted 199,902 inhabitants of Sihanoukville province.[69]

Population Projections for Sihanoukville Province 2008-2016[70]
Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Total 229,205 235,095 241,154 247,355 253,654 260,034 266,470 272,933 279,419
Male 114,680 117,735 120,872 124,076 127,324 130,607 133,913 137,227 140,545
Female 114,525 117,360 120,282 123,279 126,330 129,427 132,557 135,706 138,874
Annual Growth 2.57 2.58 2.57 2.55 2.52 2.47 2.43 2.38
Sex Ratio 100.1 100.3 100.5 100.6 100.9 101.0 101.1 101.2 101.3
Median Age 21.8 22.3 22.8 23.3 23.7 24.2 24.7 25.1 25.6

Khmer are the main ethnic group. In addition there are other groups like Vietnamese, Chinese, Cham, Thai, French, British, Korean Europeans, Australians and Americans, due to its status as an international port and a tourist destination. Krong Preah Sihanouk has a relative high Human Development Index (HDI)of 0.750 in average, compared to the national average HDI of 0.523.[71]

Culture

Yeay Mao, a guardian spirit at Pich Nil is venerated throughout the Sihanoukville province
Main article: Culture of Cambodia

The majority of the province's inhabitants are of East Asian descent, which profoundly characterize and influence local customs, moral, commerce, cuisine and tradition based on Pan-East-Asian beliefs and ideas. Cambodian culture is of distinct ancient Khmer origin, accompanied by century-old moderate Chinese and Vietnamese cultural influences.[72] The prolonged presence of foreign and in particular Western people in Cambodia and Sihanoukville town contributes to a noticeable varied, modern, multi-cultural manifestation, which is increasingly influenced by modern media.[73]

The inhabitants of Sihanoukville province celebrate all religious, traditional and secular festivities such as Cambodian New Year (April), Chinese New Year (between January and February), Water Festival (November), Pchum Ben (honor to the ancestors in October) and Kathen Ceremony (offerings to the monks), 8 January (Day of Cambodian - Vietnamese Friendship) among others.

The ethnic and minority religious groups celebrate Christmas Day (25 December) and Holy Week for the Catholics, Ramadan for the Muslims, Valentine's Day and the International New Year (31 December).

Many urban families of Chinese or Sino-Khmer descent[74][75] in Sihanoukville city have for most of Cambodia's history constituted the commercial elite and urban upper classes. Besides the expressed Buddhist faith there is a strong dedication to Confucian work ethics, on commercial conduct and trade procedures while family bonds are very strong.[76][77]

Administration

USS Gary docked at Sihanoukville Port

Sihanoukville used to be a municipality, it held the same status as a province. It was converted into a full province on December 22, 2008.[78] There is a provincial governor and three deputy governors. It is subdivided into 4 districts (Khan). The port is autonomously administered.[79] The districts are divided in 26 communes and 118 villages.

Kaompong Seila

Kampong Seila district, which belonged to Koh Kong Province has, per Royal decree, been transferred to Sihanoukville Province in January 2009: "The administrative boundaries of Preah Sihanouk municipality and Koh Kong province shall be adjusted by sub-dividing land from Kampong Seila district in whole and partial land of Sre Ambil district in Koh Kong province to Preah Sihanouk municipality." Officials were assigned to create a National Workshop - also in relation to other provinces - and process all necessary administrative tasks.[80] The National Institute of Statistics of Cambodia refers in its most recent and preliminary studies to a successful integration of the district, including maps,[81][82] although official statistics and numbers are expected to come with the next full report. Preah Sihanouk Province's new official domain has incorporated Kompong Seila district.[83]

Sihanoukville Province districts:
Mittakpheap (dark red), Stueng Hav (yellow), Prey Nob (blue), Kampong Seila (green)
ISO Code District Romanization Population Communes Villages
1801 មិត្តភាព Krong Preah Sihanouk 67,440 5 19
1802 ព្រៃនប់ Prey Nob 75,142 14 65
1803 ស្ទឹងហាវ Stueng Hav 13,108 3 10
1804 ស្រុកកំពង់សីលា Kampong Seila 14,965 4 14

Port

The Sihanoukville Autonomous Port was finished in 1960 as the international sea port of Cambodia. It has an area of 290 meters length and 28 meters width. Its exterior berth depth is 8.50 to 13 meters and 7.50 to 8.50 meters depth in the interior. Four medium vessels can simultaneously moor at the port.[79]

The port is located 18 kilometers/11 miles from the Kaong Kang Airport and 4 kilometers/2 miles from Sihanoukville town. Ships' passengers are allowed to visit Sihanoukville town. The terminal itself has no shopping center, banking or tourist offices, only toilets.[84]

Religion

Main article: Religion in Cambodia

As of 2004, there were 27 Theravada Buddhist pagodas in the province with a population of 1,918 monks.[85] Buddhist Pagodas are central in Cambodian culture as the defining spiritual source of villages and cities.

Pagodas/Wats in Sihanoukville province[86]
Name Official District Commune Village Abbot Congregation (p.p.) Monastery Image
Wat Bodh Meanchey វត្តពោធិ៍មានជ័យ Stung Hav Kampenh Ven. Leng Hee persons yes
Wat Ta Ney វត្តតានៃ Prey Nup Jerng Ko Ta Ney persons
Wat Kampong Sila វត្ត Kampong Sila persons
Wat Silavontaram វត្ត Kampong Sila Jamkar Hluong Boeng Trach persons
Wat Jotannana/Wat Leu វត្ត Mittakpheap Sangkat Ven. Kiet Chanthuch persons yes
Wat Indannana/Wat Krom វត្ត Mittakpheap Sangkat Ven. Sassana Saingvara Moul Rorn persons yes
Wat O Tres វត្ត Mittakpheap Sangkat 4 persons no
Wat Ream វត្ត Prey Nup persons
Wat Uddom Vinnanaram វត្ត Prey Nup persons
Wat Kiri Swa Ra វត្ត Prey Nup Ream persons no
Wat Ream 3 វត្ត Prey Nup persons
Wat Uddom Priksa វត្ត Prey Nup persons
Source: Wats in Sihanoukville province - Templenews[86]

Sihanoukville province is also home to minor communities of other religions such as: Catholics, Muslims, Protestants and Taoists. Places of worship:

Religion in Cambodia
Religion percent
Theravada Buddhism
  
 92%
Mahayana Buddhism
  
 3%
Islam
  
 1.6%
Christianity
  
 0.2%
Others
  
 3.2%

Education

Main article: Education in Cambodia

Public spending on education in Cambodia, totaled 2.60% (of GDP) as of 2010.[87]

Cambodian general education is based on the national school curriculum that consists of:

1. Basic education

The basic education curriculum is divided into three cycles of three years each. The first cycle (grade 1-3) consists of 27-30 lessons per week lasting 40 minutes which are allocated to five main subjects. The second cycle (grade 4-6) consists of the same number of lessons but is slightly different. The third cycle (grade 7-9) consists of 32-35 lessons which are allocated for 7 major subjects.[88]

2. Upper secondary education

The upper Secondary Education curriculum consists of two different phases. The curriculum for the first phase (grade 10) is identical to the third cycle of primary education. The second phase (grade 11-12) has two main components: Compulsory and Electives.[88]

The total adult literacy rate of Sihanoukville is 95.37%.[89] The province hasn't got full educational coverage, but has improved during the last decade. The 2004 statistics[85] show the following centers of education: 33 pre-schools with 1,670 children, 52 primary schools with 34,863 students, 5 colleges with 4,794 students; 2 high schools with 1,449 students; 10 vocational training with 961 students and 13,728 students inprivate schools.

Private educational institutes in Sihanoukville are: Life University, University of Management and Economics, Built Bright University, Khmer Technology and Management Center, Don Bosco Technical School and Don Bosco Hotel School.

Sister cities

See also

Bibliography

References

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