Khmer Krom

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Khmer Krom

Total population
Approximately 1.3 million
Regions with significant populations
Southern Vietnam, Cambodia
Languages
Khmer, Vietnamese
Religion
Theravada Buddhism, Roman Catholicism

The Khmer Krom are an ethnic group native to the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. They are ethnically Khmer and are considered part of the larger Khmer people who primarily reside in Cambodia. The term "Khmer Krom" translates to "Khmer from below" or "lower Khmer," referring to their geographical location in the southern part of the historical Khmer Empire.

History

The Khmer Krom have a long history that dates back to the time of the Khmer Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th century. The Mekong Delta region, where the Khmer Krom reside, was historically part of the Khmer Empire. However, over the centuries, the region came under the control of various powers, including the Vietnamese.

In the 17th century, the Vietnamese began to expand southward in a process known as "Nam tiến" or "southward expansion." This led to the gradual annexation of Khmer territories, including the Mekong Delta. By the 18th century, the area was firmly under Vietnamese control, and the Khmer Krom became a minority in their ancestral lands.

Culture

The Khmer Krom share many cultural traits with the Khmer people of Cambodia, including language, religion, and customs. They speak the Khmer language, although many are also fluent in Vietnamese due to their location in Vietnam.

Religion

The majority of Khmer Krom practice Theravada Buddhism, which is also the dominant religion in Cambodia. Buddhism plays a central role in their cultural and spiritual life, with many villages having their own pagodas and monks. The Khmer Krom also celebrate traditional Khmer festivals such as Chaul Chnam Thmey (Khmer New Year) and Pchum Ben.

Current Issues

The Khmer Krom face several challenges, including issues related to cultural preservation, religious freedom, and land rights. As a minority group in Vietnam, they have often struggled to maintain their cultural identity in the face of assimilation pressures. There have been reports of restrictions on the use of the Khmer language and the practice of Buddhism.

Land rights are another significant issue, as many Khmer Krom have lost their ancestral lands due to government policies and economic development projects. This has led to tensions and protests, as the community seeks to assert their rights and preserve their way of life.

Also see

• Khmer people
• Khmer Empire
• Theravada Buddhism
• Mekong Delta
• Vietnamese language