Country Information

Geography

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a Southeast Asian nation that borders Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Cambodia has a tropical climate and experiences a monsoon season (May to November) and a dry season (December to April). The terrain is mostly low, flat plains, with mountains in the southwest and north.

History

For 2,000 years Cambodia’s civilization was influenced by India and China - it also contributed significantly to these countries as well as other Southeast Asian societies that are now part of Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. The civilization thrived during the Angkor period between the 9th and 14th centuries, resulting in amazing temple complexes such as Angkor Wat and the imperial capital of Angkor Thom.

Following 400 years of decline, Cambodia became a French colony and during the 20th century experienced the turmoil of war, occupation by the Japanese, post-war independence, and political instability.

Between 1975 and 1979 the country was devastated by the reign of the Khmer Rouge, a rural communist guerrilla movement. The main goal of the regime, led by Pol Pot, was to create a socialist society where modern influences of the urban population (“New People”) were to be eradicated in order to return Cambodia to a pre-modern society of “Old People”. Consequently, it’s believed up to 3 million Cambodians were killed due to execution, forced hardships, disease and starvation.

Culture

Cambodia has the world’s only national flag that incorporates an actual identifiable building into its design (Angkor Wat). Much of Cambodia’s cultural heritage was destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. Today the country is experiencing a revival and rebuilding of traditional cultural values and practices, particularly in art, music and dance.

The Cambodian proverb “Fear not the future, weep not for the past” captures the general approach to life in the country. Given the tragedies experienced during the Khmer Rouge regime, many have demonstrated immense forgiveness to live harmoniously with those who were a part of the regime as well as those Khmer who may have lost loved ones. Cambodians also tend to have a stoic and cheerful demeanour. They rarely complain or show discomfort. People often smile or laugh in various scenarios, regardless of whether the situation is positive or negative.