The People of Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville has a population of approximately 160,502 (2006), with an average population density of 128 people/ km². Majority of the population (83,035) is located in the district of Prey Nup, along the rivers and estuaries of the Veal Renh. Prey Nup is home to some of the original settlers and a majority of the Moslem communities. The most densely populated area, with a population of 12,584, is the business district of Mittapheap, where a majority of the trades people and industries have settled. Stung Hav district with a population of just 13,593 people is the least populated and youngest community of Sihanoukville. In the early 1980s people from Mittapheap were relocated to Stung Hav and have established their livelihood around the near-shore fishery of Kompong Som Bay. Certain components of Sihanoukville’s population are transient, with many sailors, seasonal agricultural and port worker creating a fluctuating population.
Education

The literacy rate (number of literate people over the age of 7 years) is 64.1 %. Fifty-five point seven percent (55.7%) of these people are male and 44% are female.
Culture

The population of Sihanoukville is predominantly Khmer. Other ethnic groups include Cham, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese. As a consequence, the majority (85%) of the people in Sihanoukville are Buddhist by faith. The important Buddhist ceremonies are Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben. Some Khmer also follow animist practices, and pray to spirits such as Arak and Neak Ta. The remaining part of the population consists of Cham people, who are Moslem, and Christians.