The country consists chiefly of a large alluvial plain ringed by a mountains and the Mekong River. The plain is centered on Tonle Sap Lake, which is a natural storage lake for the Mekong. With such location made Cambodia the richest natural resources, and hence Cambodians proudly name their motherland as the land of Gold (Suvannabumi).
Map: shaped like a rabbit, surrounded by mountain ranges,Cambodia forms a frying pan-like geographical units.
Population:
Population is approximately 14 million, of which 90-95 % are the Khmer ethnic group and the rest consists of a diversity of ethnic backgrounds such as Chinese, Cham (Muslims) and hill tribes called Khmer Loeu (Khmer upper land).
Main cities:
Phnom Penh is the capital city of the kingdom. It has population roughly around 2 million and other major cities are Sihanouk Ville, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kandal, Kampong Thom, Prey Veng, Takeo, Svay Rieng, Kampong Speu and Kampot
Climates:
Country situated in the tropical zone, benefits from a great amount of sun almost year-round. The monsoon and dry are the only two seasons. Each has its own unique beauty and refreshing changes in weather. Because of Southwestern monsoons, the country’s rainy season lasts from April to October. Its capital receives an average of 1.4 meters of rain and the mountainous areas receive around 5 meters. An average of temperature range around 27-35 degree C. with a great humidity around to 90%. Nonetheless, the hottest month is in April during which the temperature may reach at 38 degree C. Dry cool season rang from November to March with temperatures around 17 to 27 degree C. December to January is considered to be the coolest times.
Religion:
Theravada Buddhism is the state religion of Cambodia, it consists of two main sects, one of which is known as
Mahanikaya order (great gathering sect) and another is Dhammayuttanikaya order (doctrine abide by sect). This form of Theravada Buddhism is also practiced in neighboring countries such as Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Sri Lanka and certain part of Vietnam. Her traditional history says Cambodia was so fortunate to have received the Buddha’s message from the hand of the 3rd century B.C King Asoka of Jambudvipa (India) and since the teaching was practically applicable to the Cambodian society; it could win the hearts of the Cambodians, and has firmly become their national religion. Cambodians adopted the teachings as their way of life, and amalgamated into their culture. Therefore, the sight of yellow robed monks is common through the country and a unique building of Buddhist temple is seen almost in every nook and corner. The country also has minority religions such as Islam, and Christianity.
Language:
The official language is Khmer. It is a part of Mon -Khmer family. French and English are used as second languages
Currency:
Riel is the name of Cambodian currency (US$ 1= 4,000 Riels). Foreign currencies can easily be changed at hotels, airport, markets and banks. It should be noticed that US dollar and some other currencies are also widely accepted throughout the country.
Local Time:
7 hours ahead of GMT
Electric Current:
Standard Voltage is 220 volts.
Visa:
Visa can be obtained at Royal Embassies and Consulates of Cambodia in foreign countries or at Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap Airport and International border check points. A thirty-day stay is issued to each tourist at a cost of US$ 20 and each businessman at a cost of US$ 25. While tourist visa can be extended only one month at a time, a business visa can be extended indefinitely. Free visa is issued to the Cambodians who live abroad.
On Arrival:
One can enter Cambodia through Pochentong (Phnom Penh) International Airport and Siem Reap Airport by air. Whereas by land, Bavet Interanational Check Point (Svay Rieng province) Khaam Samnor International Check Point (Kandal-Prey Veng) Cambodia-Vietnam border. And Cham Yeam International Check Point (Koh Kong province) O’Smach International Check Point (Oddor Meanchey Province) and Poi Pet International Check Point (Banteay Meanchey province) Cambodia- Thailand border.
Food:
Rice and fish are the main foods enjoyed by Cambodians. Curries and soups with port, poultry, beef and seafood can be bought everywhere in the country. However French, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines are also easy to be obtained.
Feats, Festival and Holiday Events in Cambodia