Mondulkiri provincial officials are preparing to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the creation of the northeastern province on December 30.

The province was created in December 30, 1961 from land that had been the eastern area of Kratie, and Sen Monorom was established as its capital the following year.

Acting provincial governor Chhim Kan on December 23 led a meeting on preparations for the anniversary, attended by relevant authorities in the province.

The provincial administration said in a statement that the province had just three districts – Koh Nhek, Chbar and O’Raing – when it was established by the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

It now comprises Sen Monorom town and four districts – Keo Seima, Koh Nhek, O’Raing and Pech Chreada – further subdivided into 21 communes and around 100 villages.

The administration noted that Mondulkiri has had 21 provincial governors, with Khieu Bun serving as the first, from 1961-1968. The post is currently held by Thorng Savun, who was appointed on October 12 this year.

The province is located in the Kingdom’s northeast corridor, 382km from Phnom Penh. It has a surface area of 14,288sq km, covered by lush forests, rolling hills and verdant valleys.

Mondulkiri has a population of more than 80,000, including a sizeable proportion Bunong and other indigenous ethnic groups. The province is becoming an increasingly popular getaway for holidaymakers, and has many development projects in the pipeline, including an airport.