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 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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