The city is flanked by an almost uninterrupted string of beaches along its entire coastline and coastal marshlands bordering the Ream National Park in the east. A number of thinly inhabited islands β under Sihanoukville's administration [2] β are near the city, where in recent years moderate development has helped to attract a sizable portion of Asia's individual travelers, students, and backpackers.
The city, which was named in honour of former king Norodom Sihanouk , had a population of around 89, people and approximately 66, in its urban center in A relatively young city, it has evolved in parallel with the construction of the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port , which commenced in June , as the country's gateway to direct and unrestricted international sea trade.
The only deep water port in Cambodia includes an oil terminal and a transport logistics facility. Sihanoukville's many beaches and nearby islands make it Cambodia's premier seaside resort with steadily rising numbers of national visitors and international tourists since the lateth century.
As a result of its economic diversity, the region's natural environment, and the recreational potential, an increasing number of seasonal and permanent foreign residents make Sihanoukville one of the most culturally varied and dynamic population centers in Cambodia. Sihanoukville's future will largely be defined by the authorities' ability to successfully manage natural resources on the one hand and the necessities of urban and insular development, increasing visitor numbers, expanding infrastructure, the industrial sector and population growth, on the other.
Sihanoukville also faces challenges related to crime, security, and safety with the city frequently being the focus of scandals linked to serious organized crime, petty crime, and corruption.
