Stung Treng province facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Stung Treng ស្ទឹងត្រែង  (Khmer) เชียงแตง  (Thai) ຊຽງແຕງ  (Lao)
Province
Stung Treng Province ខេត្តស្ទឹងត្រែង  (Khmer) จังหวัดสตึงแตรง  (Thai) ແຂວងຊຽງແຕង  (Lao)
Sopheakmitt Waterfall
Seal
Map of Cambodia highlighting Stung Treng
Country	Cambodia
Provincial status	1907
Capital	Stung Treng
Subdivisions	1 municipality; 5 districts
Area
• Total	11,092 km2 (4,283 sq mi)
Area rank	Ranked 8th
Population  (2019)
• Total	165,713
• Rank	21st
• Density	14/km2 (40/sq mi)
• Density rank	23rd
Demographics
• Language(s)	Khmer (official) Lao
Time zone	UTC+07:00 (ICT)
Dialing code	+855
ISO 3166 code	KH-19

Stung Treng is a province located in the northeast part of Cambodia. Its name means "River of Reeds." The province shares a border with Laos to the north. It also borders other Cambodian provinces like Ratanakiri to the east and Kratié to the south.

The mighty Mekong River flows right through the middle of Stung Treng. Most of the province is covered by thick forests. However, activities like logging and fishing are putting pressure on these natural resources.

What's in a Name? The Story of Stung Treng

The area now known as Stung Treng was first called "Tonle Ropov." This name is still used for a specific area within the province today.

Later, a monk from Vientiane named Seang Peng gave it a new name: "Satung Teng." This name eventually changed to "Xiang Taeng." In the Lao language, "Xiang" means "goddess" and "Taeng" means "built."

Over time, as the Khmer language developed, the name became "Stung Treng." This modern name means "river of reeds," which describes the local environment.

A Look Back: Stung Treng's History

Stung Treng has a long and interesting history. It was once part of the powerful Khmer Empire. Later, it became part of the Lao kingdom of Lan Xang. After that, it was part of the Lao kingdom of Champasak.

In 1904, something important happened. The French, who controlled parts of Southeast Asia, traded Stung Treng. It moved from being part of French Laos to being part of the French Protectorate of Cambodia. This trade left a small group of Laotian people living in Cambodia.

Because of its location near the border and its forested mountains, the province saw some conflict in the 1960s and 70s. This period of unrest lasted until the later years of the Khmer Rouge era.

Exploring Stung Treng's Geography

Stung Treng province covers a large area of about 11,092 square kilometers. It shares borders with Laos to the north and Ratanakiri to the east. To the west, it borders Preah Vihear. To the south, you'll find Kratié and Kampong Thom.

The province is known for its vast forests and many rivers and streams. A part of the huge Virachey National Park is also located here. You can reach this park from Siem Pang.

Stung Treng is home to three major rivers: the Sekong River, the Sesan River, and the Mekong River. The Mekong River here has hundreds of small islands scattered along its path.

Until recently, you could sometimes spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphin in the wild near the Laos border. Sadly, due to certain activities, their numbers have greatly decreased in this area.

Understanding Stung Treng's Weather

Stung Treng experiences hot weather all year round. The temperature usually ranges from about 20°C (67°F) to 38°C (100°F). It rarely gets colder than 16°C (61°F) or hotter than 40°C (105°F).

Climate Patterns in Stung Treng

The province has a wet season and a dry season. The wet season is from May to October, with a lot of rain. July is usually the wettest month. During this time, the sky is often cloudy.

The dry season is from January to March and in December. January is the driest month. April is the warmest month, with average temperatures around 35°C (95°F). January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F).

Stung Treng's Economy: How People Make a Living

The economy of Stung Treng mainly relies on agriculture. Many plantations grow timber, rubber, and nuts. About 85% of the people in the province live in rural areas. They depend on farming for their income.

Other important activities include raising animals, fishing, and weaving silk. These industries also help the local economy.

In 2019, a Japanese company found signs of copper and zinc in the province. They are planning to explore more to see if these minerals can be taken out of the ground. This exploration site is about 260 kilometers north of Phnom Penh.

How Stung Treng is Governed: Administration

Stung Treng province is divided into smaller areas to help manage it. It has 5 districts and 1 main municipality (a city area). These are further split into 34 communes and 128 villages.

Two of these districts, Siem Bouk and Thala Barivat, are located west of the Mekong River.

Famous People from Stung Treng

• Ken Lo – A martial artist, actor, and stuntman.
• Sinn Sisamouth – A well-known singer-songwriter.

Images for kids

• 

  Sopheakmitt Waterfall

• 

  Stung Treng seal

• 

  Map of Cambodia highlighting Stung Treng

See also

In Spanish: Provincia de Stung Treng para niños