How many Chinese are there in Cambodia? Revealing the current situation of the Chinese community in Cambodia
As an important country in Southeast Asia, Cambodia has gradually become a popular destination for Chinese immigrants and investment in recent years due to its economic development and attractiveness of tourism resources. So, how many Chinese are there in Cambodia? What is their living situation like? This article will give you a detailed analysis through structured data.
1. Demographics of Chinese in Cambodia

According to the latest statistics and estimates, the Chinese population in Cambodia is approximately 700,000 to 1 million, accounting for 5%-7% of the total population of Cambodia. The following is the trend of Chinese population changes in the past 10 years:
| Year | Chinese population (10,000) | Proportion of total population |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 60-80 | 4%-5% |
| 2020 | 65-90 | 5%-6% |
| 2023 | 70-100 | 5%-7% |
2. Main distribution areas of Chinese in Cambodia
Cambodian Chinese are mainly concentrated in the following cities and regions:
| area | Chinese population (10,000) | Main industries |
|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 30-40 | Commerce, catering, real estate |
| Sihanoukville | 15-20 | Tourism, gaming, service industry |
| Siem Reap | 5-10 | Travel, handicrafts |
| Other areas | 10-20 | Agriculture, retail |
3. The main origin of Chinese in Cambodia
Cambodian Chinese mainly come from the following provinces in China:
| Place of origin | Proportion | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Guangdong | 40% | Most people from Chaoshan are good at business and trade |
| Fujian | 30% | Most people from southern Fujian are engaged in catering and retail. |
| Hainan | 15% | Mainly engaged in agriculture and small business |
| other provinces | 15% | New immigrants have been added in recent years to engage in diversified industries |
4. Economic contribution of Cambodian Chinese
The Chinese play an important role in the Cambodian economy, especially in the fields of commerce, real estate and tourism. The following is the data on the contribution of the Chinese to the Cambodian economy:
| Industry | Proportion of Chinese companies | Annual output value (billion US dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| commerce | 60% | 50-70 |
| real estate | 40% | 30-50 |
| tourism | 30% | 20-30 |
| Catering | 70% | 10-15 |
5. Social integration of Cambodian Chinese
The Chinese in Cambodia have performed well in social integration, and many Chinese have been deeply integrated into the local culture. The following are the main manifestations of Chinese social integration:
1.language ability: More than 80% of Chinese Cambodians can speak fluent Khmer while retaining Chinese language skills.
2.intermarriage rate: The intermarriage rate between the younger generation of Chinese and locals is increasing year by year, currently reaching about 30%.
3.cultural inheritance: The Chinese community retains traditional festival celebrations, such as the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.
4.education: Phnom Penh and other big cities have Chinese schools to meet the educational needs of Chinese children.
6. Challenges faced by Chinese in Cambodia
Although the Chinese community in Cambodia is developing well, it still faces some challenges:
1.identity: The new generation of Chinese face the issue of balance between Cambodian culture and Chinese culture.
2.business competition: With the entry of more international investors, Chinese businesses are facing greater competitive pressure.
3.Policy changes: The Cambodian government’s adjustments to foreign investment policies may affect Chinese business.
4.social security: Crime cases against Chinese businessmen occur from time to time in some areas.
7. The future prospects of the Chinese in Cambodia
With the continued development of China-Cambodia relations and the advancement of the "One Belt, One Road" initiative, the Chinese community in Cambodia is expected to usher in better development opportunities. It is estimated that by 2030, the Chinese population in Cambodia may reach 1.2-1.5 million, and their influence in the economic and cultural fields will further expand.
In general, the Cambodian Chinese community is a dynamic group. They not only play an important role in Cambodia's economic development, but also become an important bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Cambodia. Understanding the current situation of the Chinese in Cambodia will help us better grasp the development pulse of this Southeast Asian country.
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