Cambodia Information
Cambodia
Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia and formerly the Khmer Empire, is a country located in the southern part of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It has a total area of 181,035 square kilometres (69,898 sq mi) and is bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northwest, Vietnam to the west, and the Gulf of Thailand to the northwest.
Mileages between cities in Cambodia, distances between cities
Population and Religion
With a population of 14.8 million, Cambodia is the 70th largest country in the world. The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by over 95% of Cambodians. Minority groups in the country include Vietnamese, Chinese, Cham, and 30 hill tribes. The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh, the political, economic, and cultural center of Cambodia.
Government
The kingdom is a constitutional monarchy with Norodom Sihamoni, a monarch elected by the Throne Council, as its head of state. The president is Hun Sen, who is now the longest-serving non-royal ruler in Southeast Asia and has ruled Cambodia for over 25 years.
History
Origins and Khmer Empire
The ancient name of Cambodia is “Kambuja”. In 802, Jayavarman II proclaimed himself king, marking the beginning of the Khmer Empire, which flourished for over 600 years. During which time successive kings amassed great power and wealth across much of Southeast Asia. The Indian monarchy built monumental temples, including Angkor Wat, now a World Heritage Site, and helped spread Hinduism, and later Buddhism, across much of Southeast Asia.
Colonial Period and Independence
After the fall of Angkor to Ayutthaya in the 15th century, Cambodia became a French protectorate in the mid-19th century. Cambodia became independent in 1953.
Conflict and Reconciliation
The Vietnam War spilled over into Cambodia, during which the Khmer Rouge captured Phnom Penh in 1975, followed by a genocide in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, when they were expelled by Vietnam. After the Paris Peace Accords of 1991, Cambodia was temporarily administered by a United Nations mission (1992–1993). In 1997, power passed to Prime Minister Hun Sen and the Cambodian People’s Party, which remained in power until 2013.
Economic Development
Since then, Cambodia has enjoyed one of the best economic records in Asia, with economic growth averaging 6% over the past 10 years. Robust textile, agriculture, construction, garment, and tourism sectors have helped attract foreign investment and international trade. Most of the oil and natural gas fields discovered under Cambodia’s territorial waters in 2005 remain unexploited due to territorial disputes with Thailand. Despite economic improvements in 2013, the Human Development Index (HDI) ranks Cambodia 138th in terms of human development (equivalent to Laos), indicating that Cambodia is currently moderately developed.
Cambodia Today
In any case, Cambodia today is a truly peaceful country in Southeast Asia and has welcomed millions of tourists throughout the year. Siem Reap is the best historical and cultural destination for most tourists. Thousands of magnificent temples await you. After your visit, what souvenir would you like to take home?
Tourist Attractions
Old Market (Phsar Chas ផ្សារចាស់)
This is one of the most popular markets in the city and is full of character, color and wonder. Souvenir shops abound around the edges of the covered market, selling everything from Khmer handicrafts to jewelry, bags, sculptures and statues. Step inside and you will be lost in the endless aisles where everything is sold, from pots and pans to household items and mountains of clothes to browse. No market would be complete without a food section, and the Old Market is no exception, with stalls selling local food, as well as tropical fruits and vegetables, meat and fish.
Afternoon Market
The afternoon market is clean and bright but lacks the character of the Old Market.
