Cambodia, a country in Southeast Asia in the southern part of Indochina, covers an area of 181,035 square kilometers and has a population of 13,124764 million (2003 est.). The country's shape is an almost-square polygon, with Kampong Thom Province as its central point. The country extends 440 kilometers from north to south and 560 kilometers from west to east. This shape makes Cambodia easy for tourists to navigate and poses no difficulties for the development of tourism. Being one of the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Cambodia ranks eight in land size and seventh in population. Its geographical location makes Cambodia an easily accessible ecotourism destination for travelers in neighboring countries and other parts of the world. borders of Cambodia encompass 2,600 kilometers of which five-sixths are land and one-sixth is costal border.
Cambodia’s land surface is deep and plain at the middle since it is surrounded by mountain and plateaus. In the southwest lies the coastal area. As regards tourism development, Cambodia is classified by four types of topography:
Plain Area
Surrounded Great Lake Tonle Sap Area
Coastal Area
Plateau and Mountainous Area
The climate can generally be described as tropical. As the country is affected by monsoon, it is hot and humid with an overage temperature around 27.C (80.F). There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy Season and the Dry Season. However, the Dry Season is divided into two sub-seasons, cool and hot. These seasons are:
The Rainy season:
From June till October 27-35.C (80-95.f)
The Dry season (cool):
From November till February 17-27.C (80-95.F)
The Dry season (Hot) :
From March till May 29-38.C (84-100.F)
The history of Cambodia began in the first century A.D with the establishment of a State called Funan. Funan is still renowned as being the oldest Indianite State in the whole of Southeast Asia. Modern day Khmer customs and language evolved from this period in time. Sanskrit, which is part of the Mon Khmer family dialect, was the written and spoken language of that time. The officially known religion began with Hinduism, which over the years evolved into Buddhism. Distinct characteristics of that period still remain today. These features can be recognized in ancient buildings, and ancient farming methods, as well as country clothing.
Cambodia’s history can be divided into main periods as below:
Early history of Cambodia.
Migration of Kambojas.
Funan (AD1 - AD630).
Chenla (AD630 - AD802).
Khmer Empire (AD802 - AD1432)
Dark ages of Cambodia (1432 - 1863).
Loss of Mekong Delta to Vietnam.
Colonial Cambodia (1863-1954).
Cambodian Civil War (1967-1970).
Coup of 1970.
Khmer Rouge Regime (1975-1979)
Vietnam-Khmer Rouge War (1975-1989)
Vietnamese troops took control of Cambodia from the Khmer Rouge (1979-1990)
Modern Cambodia (1990-present)
Traditional arts and crafts are abundant in Cambodia. Sculptures., paintings and curving done with great care and attention. One can view such antiquities in market place, shop or museum. The variety of arts and crafts are large in range and include such item as: silver and gold jeweler, wicker were furniture, fine hard wood furniture, silks, marble sculptures, high quality China, leather ware and much more. There is a sharp eye for detail here and much of the products will be intricately carved especially the furniture, sculptures etc
The population of Cambodia today is about 10 million. About 90-95 percent of the people are Khmer ethnic. The remaining 5-10 percent include Chinese-Khmers, Khmer Islam or Chams, ethnic hill-tribe people, known as the Khmer Loeu, and Vietnamese. About 10 percent of the population lives in Phnom Penh, the capital, making Cambodia largely a country of rural dwellers, farmers and artisans.
The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, which is also practiced in neighboring Laos, Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka. However, Christianity and Cham Muslim are being active and popular among a large number of population as well in the capital and provinces, showing a sign of growth. Taoism and Confuism are also commonly practiced among the Chinese people.
Children often look after the fruits trees and vegetable gardens inside their local wat, or temple. Boys can earn merit by becoming temple servants or novice monks for a short time. Most young men remain monks for less than a year.
)
)
)
)
