More information about Cambodia is available on the Cambodia Country Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-CAMBODIA RELATIONS

Over the last several decades of the 20th century, the United States and Cambodia established, broke off, and reestablished relations as a result of armed conflict and government changes in Cambodia. Full diplomatic relations were established after the freely elected Royal Government of Cambodia was formed in 1993. President Obama became the first incumbent President to visit the country during the November 2012 East Asia Summit. The United States is working with Cambodia to further develop its democratic institutions and promote respect for human rights. The two countries also are striving to increase trade and address challenges from promoting regional security to expanding global health and development. The United States also supports efforts in Cambodia to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, improve nutrition for children, eliminate human trafficking and corruption, address environmental degradation, better manage natural resources, foster economic development, achieve the fullest possible accounting for Americans missing from the Indochina conflict in the 1960s and 1970s, and to bring to justice those most responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed under the 1975-79 Khmer Rouge regime.

U.S. Assistance to Cambodia

Cambodia is at peace after decades of conflict, although important challenges remain. Cambodia relies heavily on foreign assistance—between 30 and 40 percent of the central government’s budget depends on donor aid. U.S. assistance makes significant contributions to the country’s development. In 2014, U.S. foreign assistance for programs in health, education, governance, economic growth, and demining of unexploded ordnance totaled over $77.6 million.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Cambodia's economy still suffers from decades of war and internal strife. The economy is heavily dollarized; the dollar and riel can be used interchangeably. The U.S. normalized economic relations with the country in 1992, and is now the largest single country purchaser of Cambodia’s exports. Manufacturing output is concentrated in the garment sector, which dominates Cambodia's exports, especially to the U.S. and the European Union.

Cambodia's Membership in International Organizations

Cambodia became a member of the United Nations in 1955 following independence from France in 1953. Cambodia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the UN, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

Bilateral Representation

The U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia is William A. Heidt; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

Cambodia maintains an embassy in the United States at 4530 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011; tel: (202) 726-7742; fax: (202) 726-8381.

More information about Cambodia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Cambodia Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Cambodia Page
USAID Cambodia Page
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Country Studies