Kampong Speu (, ; ) is a province of Cambodia. It borders the provinces of Pursat and Kampong Chhnang to the north, Kandal to the east, Takéo to the southeast, Kampot to the south and Koh Kong to the west. Parts of the province were designated as Central Cardamom Mountains National Park in 2016. Its capital is the town of Chbar Mon.
Etymology
Kampong Speu in Khmer means "starfruit port" or "starfruit harbor". In Khmer, kampong is a place-name element, meaning "port" or "harbor".
Administrative divisions
The province is subdivided into 7 districts and 1 municipality, further divided into 87 communes.
ISO code District Khmer Population (2019) 05-01 Basedth 136,971 05-02 Chbar Mon Municipality 50,359 05-03 Kong Pisei 145,476 05-04 Aoral 39,544 05-05 Oudong 145,311 05-06 Phnom Sruoch 104,438 05-07 Samraong Tong 182,774 05-08 Thpong 63,32805-09 Odongk Meae Chey City 05-10 Sameakki Muny Chey
Economy It's economy is based on agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce. Agriculture includes rice, cassava, sugarcane, and palm sugar production, while manufacturing encompasses garments, footwear, food processing, and other goods. Construction, transport, and trade are also significant, with industrial activity concentrated around Chbar Mon and major highways.
The Wing Star Shoes factory in Kampong Speu province manufactures Asics sports shoes. It collapsed in 2013. Three people were killed. Workers struck at the Wing Star Shoes Factory in 2014, blocking National Route 3, and demanding a $5 raise in bonuses and enforcement of labor laws. In 2016 and 2018, mass faintings of workers were reported. The cause in 2016, initially attributed to a worker having been possessed by a "spirit," was later revised to "poor health and imagination." 2018, police reported that after a worker had a seizure, her "scream caused a mass panic, prompting workers to run, feel dizzy and faint."
Religion
The state religion is Theravada Buddhism. More than 99.8% of the people in Kampong Speu are Buddhists, It's the most Buddhist province of the country. Chams have been practicing Islam for hundreds of years, besides that there is also a Khmer Muslims community in Kwan village. A small percentage follow Christianity.
Attractions
Phnom Aural
Phnom Aural is the tallest peak in Cambodia. It is 1,813 meters tall (other sources give elevations between 1,771 and 1,667 meters). It is in the eastern part of the Cardamom Mountains. To protect the biodiversity of the mountains, Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary was established. This mountain located in Aoral District, Kampong Speu province.
Oudong Located at the foothill of the mountain Phnom Oudong, about 40 km northwest of the modern capital Phnom Penh, Oudong was royal residence and Cambodia's capital for more than 250 years until 1866. A monumental royal necropolis of sovereigns of several centuries is scattered on top the prominent bisected mountain, which runs from the southeast to the northeast.
Kirirom National Park
Notable people Chuon Nath - leader of Cambodian Buddhism Pich Sambath - Cambodian kickboxer Prom Samnang - Cambodian kickboxer Lao Chetra - Cambodian kickboxer Lao Chantrea - Cambodian kickboxer
References
External links Kirirom National Park, Cambodia