Cambodia

Cambodia is located in the heart of Indochina. Despite that the country is rather small, the scenery varies from mountains to extensive beaches. Due to a rather tragic background, the tourism in Cambodia is not as large as in Thailand or Vietnam.

Nature

The Cambodian countryside consists of low-lying forests and extensive savannahs. Along the coast there are beautiful beaches and mangrove swamps. You will also find rain forests and mountains in the south-west. The country is split by the Mekong River. Tonle Sap, the great lake, is important not least for the fishermen. There are quite a lot of large mammals, such as bear, elephant, tigers and deer. There are also a number of birds and butterflies. During the reign of the Red Khmers a large part of the county was mined. Many of the mines still lie in the county side. Walking of the tracks is a risk. In Cambodia there are many disabled, due to the mines.

Climate

The climate is depending on monsoons. In November until March the weather is rather cold and dry because of the north-western monsoon. The temperature rarely drops under 20 degrees (Celsius). The rain period occurs in April until October, depending on the south-western monsoon.

History

People have lived by the Mekong River for centuries, although there is not much knowledge about this earlier population. The Anchorian period reached from 800 to 1430 AD. The temples of Anchor were built in this period. The temple area consists of different parts built in different periods. The word "Anchor" means city. Anchor was founded by the "Good King" Jayavarman II. After the rule of the "Good King" the rule of thirty kings followed before falling into oblivion.The temple area reaches over 1000 km2 and many of the temples consists of both Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. You will find a lot of relieves, carved in stone when walking around the temple area. You will also find beautiful bridges and artificial lakes. Today the area is being restored due to the pollution of the environment and other factors

During World War II Cambodia was occupied by the Japanese. At the end of the war, an independent Cambodia was proclaimed. However, the French returned after a few months using the country as a base in the war against Vietnam. Cambodia did not become solely independent until 1953. The American influences were strong in this time. Cambodia turned to China as an allied against the American influences. Eventually this led to a coup and the king was overthrown, this led to the Red Khmers seizing power.

The Red Khmers

The red Khmers were communists believing in the revolution of farmers. This guerrilla group was led by Pol Pot. The Red Khmers seized power in 1975. This was a time of great horror for the people of Cambodia. The boundaries were closed, religion prohibited and the death penalty became more or less used on a daily basis. Between 1975 -1979 25 % of the population died. Many were executed or died of hunger or diseases following the terror. Pol Pot died in 1998, and it was not until his death that the Red Khmers stopped harassing the country.

Politics

Hun Sen is the prime minister of Cambodia since 1991, he is also the leader of the biggest party CCP. The last three elections have been democratic but there are still much to be done. The country is lacking democratic tradition and some important institutions, the corruption is widespread. However, several large newspapers can be found and human rights have improved.

Economics

Cambodia mostly trades with its neighbouring countries. Important merchandises on export are textiles and shoes. This answers to almost half of Cambodia's export. Other merchandises on export are rubber and timber. The economy has improved lately. However, the county is still one of the worlds' poorer. Cambodia is a member both in the ASEAN and the ASEM.

Food and Drink

The food in Cambodia is quite similar to the Thai kitchen. The main ingredients often consist of rice, vegetables, meat or fish. However, you will find it less spicy. There are many different kinds of beer, the most famous is the Angkor Beer.

Amusements

Karaoke is a very popular amusement. You will find small "Karaoke bars" all over the country. It is also shown on TV. The movie industry is important with a great deal native produced film. Dance is and important part of the Cambodian culture, and a trip to the Royal Ballet in Phnom Penh will show you the traditional dances of Cambodia.

More information

Here you can find some more information about Cambodia The Cambodian embassy in the UK and The Royal government in Cambodia.