Cambodia

File:United States Navy Band - Nokoreach.ogg

Cambodia on the globe (Cambodia centered)

Location Cambodia ASEAN

Ewer from Cambodia, Angkorian era, 12th century, glazed stoneware, HAA

Vietnam 1760

Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the north, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. Cambodia has a population of over 16 million people, with Phnom Penh being its capital and largest city.

History

The history of Cambodia is rich and complex, dating back to the 1st to the 6th centuries when the first kingdom known as Funan was established. The most notable period in Cambodian history is the era of the Khmer Empire, which peaked in the 12th century. During this time, the empire constructed the famous temple complex of Angkor Wat, a significant symbol of Cambodia and a major tourist attraction today. The decline of the Khmer Empire led to periods of occupation and influence by neighboring countries.

In the 19th century, Cambodia became a protectorate of France, integrating into French Indochina. It gained independence in 1953 under the leadership of King Norodom Sihanouk. The country's recent history has been turbulent, including the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979, during which an estimated 1.7 million people lost their lives. Since the 1990s, Cambodia has been working towards recovery and stability, with a focus on rebuilding its economy and infrastructure.

Geography

Cambodia's geography is characterized by the central plains, the Mekong River delta, and mountainous regions in the southwest and north. The Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, plays a crucial role in the country's ecosystem and agriculture. The climate is tropical, with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.

Economy

The Cambodian economy has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by tourism, textiles, agriculture, and construction. The Angkor Wat complex is a significant contributor to tourism. Agriculture remains a vital part of the economy, with rice being the primary crop. However, the country faces challenges such as poverty, corruption, and a lack of infrastructure.

Culture

Cambodian culture is deeply influenced by Buddhism, particularly Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by the majority of the population. The country is known for its traditional dances, music, and arts, such as the Royal Ballet of Cambodia. The Khmer language is the official language, and the Khmer script is a distinctive part of the country's cultural heritage.

Government

Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy with a King as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. The political landscape has been dominated by the Cambodian People's Party for several decades, leading to criticisms regarding democratic processes and human rights.

Education and Health

Education in Cambodia has been improving, but the country still faces challenges such as access to quality education and high dropout rates. Health issues include a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, although efforts have been made to improve healthcare infrastructure and services.

See Also

• History of Cambodia
• Geography of Cambodia
• Economy of Cambodia
• Culture of Cambodia
• Politics of Cambodia