Note to our readers: Background Notes are no longer being updated or produced. They are being replaced with Fact Sheets focusing on U.S. relations with countries and providing links to additional resources. For archived versions of Background Notes, see http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/.
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. In recent years, bilateral relations between the U.S. and Cambodia have deepened and broadened. The two countries have worked together to increase trade and address challenges from promoting regional security and democracy to expanding global health and development. The U.S. supports efforts in Cambodia to combat terrorism, reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, build democratic institutions, promote human rights, foster economic development, eliminate corruption and trafficking in persons, 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--about half of the central government budget depends on donor aid. U.S. assistance makes significant contributions to the country’s development. In 2010, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-administered assistance was approximately $70 million for programs in health, education, governance, and economic growth.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Cambodia's economy suffers from the legacy of 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 one of Cambodia's major trading partners. Manufacturing output is concentrated in the garment sector, and garments dominate 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 E. Todd; 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
