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Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country with a population of almost 15 million people. The capital city of the country is Phnom Penh . The country of Cambodia once belonged to the powerful Hindu kings and Buddhist Khmer Empire that had their reign during the eleventh and fourteenth centuries.
Official Languages:
Khmer or Cambodian, is the official language of Cambodia. It is one of the most prominent languages among other Austroasiatic languages and has been considerably influenced by Sanskrit and Pali as once it was ruled by Hindu and Pali rulers. Due to its vicinity to Thailand and Vietnam the language has been affected by Thai, Lao, Vietnamese and Cham . French is spoken by mostly older Cambodians as a second language – which was the language of the colonialists . It is now the language of instruction in various schools and universities. These institutions are often funded by the government of France. Cambodian French, a remainder of the country's colonial past is frequently used in government . Among the new generation English is becoming popular.
Independence, Republic and Government:
Cambodia during the eleventh through fourteenth century was a colony of the Hindu kings and later on was under the control of Buddhist Khmer empire . Later the French took possession of the country from 1863 to 1963 thereby the country became to be considered as a colony of France. However the French colonialists ruled the country placing a local king at the throne . This practice continued for several years until in 1941 King Monivong died and the French chose Norodom Sihanouk as the dead king's successor. King Sihanouk was then only 19 years old and the spirit of nationalism was on the rise. With the intervention of the Japanese alongwith the nationalist leaders, French colonial administration was dissolved during World War II and on March 9,1945, Cambodia declared its independence within the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere. 4 days later King Sihanouk declared an independent Kampuchia .
Cambodia faced many political turmoils in the present era among which the Pol Pot regime (1975-1979 ) was the most oppressive regime that the country had ever faced.
At present the Prime Minister of Cambodia is the head of government, while the king is the head of state. The Prime Minister is appointed by the King, with the approval of the National Assembly. Norodom Sihamoni the present king of the country and is just a symbol for monarchy and does not have any political power.
Top Cities of Colombia:
Phnom Penh:The capital city of Cambodia is the largest and wealthiest city in the country . It was once known as the Pearl of Asia in the 1920s . Phnom Penh, along with Siem Reap, is a distinctive tourist destination and attract tourists from all over the world . The city has splendid specimens of architecture influenced by Khmer and French traditions .
Sihanoukville: The city of Sihanoukville is also known as Kampong Som, or Kampong Saom . It is a port city in southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand. Sihanoukville is the only deep water port in Cambodia and its beaches are making it more popular as a tourist destination.
Pailin: It is a city in the west of Cambodia near the border of Thailand. Pailin is a major centre of Khmer Rouge and resource center.
Kep City: It is the coastal tourist city located southwest of Royal city of Phnom Penh and is a popular spot for tourists because of its heavenly natural beauty.
Culture and Heritage:
Khmer culture, the native culture of Cambodia is very rich and has distinctive styles of dance, architecture and sculpture . Angkor Wat is the best preserved example of Khmer architecture from the Angkorian era . There are hundreds of other temples that have been discovered in and around the region.
Bonn Om Teuk , the annual boat rowing contest, is the most attended Cambodian national festival . This festival is held at the end of the rainy season when the Mekong river begins to sink back to its normal levels. The boat festival is attended by almost 10% of Cambodia's population each year. In this event other than the boat racing the people play games including cockfighting, soccer, and kicking a sey, which is similar to a footbag. They also give thanks to the moon and watch fireworks.
The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the infamous prison of the Khmer Rouge, and Choeung Ek, one of the main Killing Fields are other important historic sites.
Sports is an essential part of cultural heritage of the country. The Cambodia national football team managed fourth in the 1972 Asian Cup but development has slowed since the civil war. Other western sports include rugby, baseball , volleyball and field hockey .
Tourism:
The major tourist spots that attract thousands of tourists to the country include Ratanakiri the natural habitat of the Cambodian Minorities, Preah Vihear, the coastal beach of Sihanoukville and of course the mesmerizing Angkor Wat- the 7th Wonder of the World . Tourists who hanker after natural beauty can visit Yeak Loam Lake , Eisey Patamak Mountain , Kachang Waterfall , Katieng Waterfall, Ou'Sean Lair Waterfall ,Virachay National Park, Veal Rum Plan , Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary and Norng Kabat Forest . Those who are lovers of art and architecture can visit the art works made by the Hindu and Buddhist kings who established their splendid works of art in the form of temples . These temples in the present era have become remarkable historical monuments worthy of visit.
The tourism department of Cambodia has taken a special initiative so as to increase the country's revenue from tourists. It is the second largest industry that brings mostly foreign currencies to the country. 50% of visitor make their arrivals at Angkor, and most of the remainder make their way to Phnom Penh.
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