Government of Cambodia: How the System Works

Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The Constitution sets out the roles of the King, the National Assembly, the Senate, the Royal Government and the courts. Understanding these institutions helps residents, investors and visitors interpret official decisions and public administration.

Cambodia’s system of government

The King is head of state and reigns under the Constitution. Executive authority is exercised by the Royal Government, also called the Council of Ministers, which is led by the Prime Minister. Cambodia’s current Prime Minister is Hun Manet, who took office in August 2023.

The capital, Phnom Penh, is the centre of national government. Ministries and national agencies handle areas such as finance, land management, commerce, education, health and tourism.

The National Assembly and Senate

Cambodia has a bicameral legislature. The National Assembly is the lower house and is elected through national elections. It considers laws, approves the government through constitutional procedures and exercises oversight functions.

The Senate is the upper house. It reviews legislation passed by the National Assembly and performs duties defined by the Constitution. The two chambers have different selection processes and terms, so readers should check official sources for the latest membership and leadership.

The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers

The Prime Minister leads the Royal Government. Ministers manage government departments and implement laws, national plans and public services. A new government follows constitutional steps involving the National Assembly and the King.

Policy is then carried out through ministries, provincial and municipal administrations, and local authorities. Regulations, sub-decrees, ministerial decisions and administrative procedures can affect practical matters such as construction, business registration and property transactions.

Provinces, municipalities and local administration

Cambodia is divided into the capital and provinces, which are further organised into districts, municipalities, communes and sangkats, and villages. Phnom Penh has its own capital administration and is divided into khans and sangkats.

Local authorities manage many everyday processes. For property buyers and tenants, the exact province, district or khan, commune or sangkat, and village can be important for addresses, land records and service access.

The legal and judicial framework

The Constitution is the country’s supreme law. Courts and other legal institutions operate within the national legal framework. Cambodia’s legal system has also been shaped by civil-law traditions, modern statutes and administrative rules.

Official Khmer texts control many legal matters, and translations may vary. Anyone making a legal, tax or property decision should obtain current advice from a qualified Cambodian professional rather than relying only on a general guide.

Government information for property and business

• Verify the responsible ministry or local authority for each application.
• Use the full Khmer address and cadastral references where available.
• Check whether permits, taxes or registrations have changed.
• Keep official receipts and certified copies of important documents.
• Confirm the authority of anyone signing on behalf of a company or owner.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Cambodia’s head of state?

The King is the head of state. The Prime Minister leads the Royal Government.

Does Cambodia have two houses of parliament?

Yes. The legislature consists of the National Assembly and the Senate.

Who is Cambodia’s Prime Minister?

As of September 2026, Cambodia’s Prime Minister is Hun Manet. Current officeholders can change, so consult an official source when the date matters.

Continue exploring

Learn about Cambodia’s geography and society, read the guide to the King of Cambodia, and review our independently written history overview.

Sources

• Constitutional Council of Cambodia: Constitution
• Official website of Prime Minister Hun Manet
• Tourism Cambodia government reference (topic orientation only; independently written and expanded).