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Holidays in Cambodia |
Introduction to
Cambodia
Cambodia is a
country of incredible beauty, with famous temples, fertile plains
dotted with rice fields, and a history unlike any other. The
dominant religion is Buddhism, which places value on hospitality and
kindness. Each year, Cambodia draws millions of tourists who come to
enjoy the country’s breathtaking sights and enter the walls of
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat – one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The ancient Khmer Empire ruled much of Southeast Asia for centuries
and gave Angkor Wat to the world. However, for four years in the
late 1970’s Cambodia came under the control of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge
regime and fell victim to a failed political ideal that left over
two million of the nations citizens dead from disease, malnutrition
and persecution.
Many people only know of Cambodia in terms of these two periods but
there is far more to this country than ancient temples and past
tragedies. Its topography and climate are as varied as its culture.
The Tonle Sap Lake at the heart of Cambodia is one of the richest
freshwater fishing grounds in the world and is home to a variety of
migratory birds. Cambodia’s mountain and jungle areas abound with
rare and beautiful fauna. In these regions the indigenous tribal
peoples continue to follow a centuries-old way of life. Cambodia has
its own unique and much underrated cuisine and produces delicious,
organic meat and fruit. This was showcased in Rick Stein’s Asian
Odyssey cooking programme.
The burgeoning tourist industry has brought relative wealth to some
Provinces while in other the life of Cambodia’s agricultural workers
has changed little in a milennium. The Khmer people have a warmth,
strength and spirituality that is a surprise and delight to most
visitors. There seems to be an unquenchable spirit, humour and
gentle pride in most Cambodians that perhaps explains how they have
succeed in surviving years of political experimentation and civil
war.
Cambodia is an extraordinary country and offers the adventurous
visitor a wealth of experiences.
Country Profile
Full name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Population: 14.8 million (UN, 2009)
Population Make Up: Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, Other 4%
Capital and largest city: Phnom Penh
Area: 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq miles)
Major language: Khmer
Major religion: Buddhism 95%
Main exports: Clothing, timber, rubber
Economy: Agriculture 75%, Services and Industry 25%
Internet domain: .kh
International dialling code: +855
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