Phnom Penh Capital City, Cambodia
Description
Phnom Penh is the vibrant bustling capital of Cambodia. Situated at the confluence of four rivers, the mighty Mekong Leu, Makong krom, the Bassac and the great Tonle Sap, what was once considered the ‘Gem’ of Indochina. The capital city still maintains considerable charm with plenty to see. It exudes a sort of provincial charm and tranquillity with French colonial mansions and tree-lined boulevards amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Phnom Penh is a veritable oasis compared to the modernity of other Asian capitals. A mixture of Asian exotica, the famous Cambodian hospitality awaits the visitors to the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The city takes its name from the re-known Wat Phnom Daun Penh (nowadays: Wat Phnom or Hill Temple), which was built in 1373 to house five statues of Buddha on a man made hill 27 meters high. These five statues were floating down the Mekong in a Koki tree and an old wealthy widow named Daun Penh (Grandma Penh) saved them and set them up on this very hill for worshiping. Phnom Penh was also previously known as Krong Chaktomuk (Chaturmukha) meaning “City of Four Faces”. This name refers to the confluence where the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers cross to form an “X” where the capital is situated.
Geography
Phnom Penh is located in the south-central region of Cambodia, at the confluence of the Tonlé Sap, Mekong, and Bassac rivers. These rivers provide potential freshwater and river ecosystems as important resources for sustainable environment conditions, nature’s beauty and a prosperous culture for the people of Phnom Penh City from the past to the present.
Phnom Penh lies in front of the Mekong River, which is the main river in Asia with a length of 4,200km (2610 miles). The original source of the river is from the highlands of Tibet China. The river crosses Cambodia from North to South with a total length of 486km (302 miles) and passes Phnom Penh as an intersection of the river to create attractive freshwater and ecosystems for the city.
Climate
The climate is hot year-round with only minor variations. City temperatures range from 18° to 38 °C (64° to 100 °F).
There are two seasons:
- Dry season lasts from December to May (6 months)
- Rainy season lasts from June to November (6 months)
Population
The metro area population of Phnom Penh in 2020 was 2,078,000, a 3.18% increase from 2019. The metro area population of Phnom Penh in 2019 was 2,014,000, a 3.18% increase from 2018.
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