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Cambodia

Kampuchea

Capital:Phnom Penh
Population:17.8M
Currency:riels (KHR)
Language:Khmer (official) 95%, French, English
Sunset near Angkor

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Cambodia.

Cambodia Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Buddhism generally shapes the lives and perspectives of Cambodia's people. Cambodians are usually optimistic. The group or community (often defined as the extended family) is more important than the individual, as are ancestors and rulers. The individual generally has limited privacy and rights, and is expected to act for the good of the community.

Sunset near Angkor

Temple of Resilience

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

Holidays

  • Independence Day

    11/9

    Independence Day

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

    Cambodia is a country that is located in the Southeast region of the Asian continent. Hence, it has been part of the French Indochina colonized countries during its early years. This has resulted in some of its traditions and beliefs about Christmas. Most people in the country are non-Christians which make the celebration of Christmas in Cambodia more solemn than in other Christian countries.

    Merry Christmas in traditional Cambodian language is ‘Soursdey Noel,’ pronounced ‘soors-dee Noel.’ Take note of the influence of the French culture even in the greeting as “Noel” is a native French word.

    Santa Claus is well known in Cambodia. Even among Buddhist children, he is still considered a prime figure of the occasion and is the giver of gifts to children who are good. This has helped build up the tradition of Santa Claus among non-Christians as a saint who goes from house to house during Christmas Eve to check on good little children and give them gifts.

    The tradition taught to the local Christians was to place a shoe outside their bedroom door during the night. The next day, good little children find their shoes brimming over with little toys and goodies stuffed into their shoes by Santa Claus.

    Christmas starts in December which is also when the weather starts to get a little chilly. The locals stores and shops display Christmas ornaments and decors made or ceramics, embroideries and native materials that light up the streets and windows.

    The traditions for the local Christian groups during this period are to go to masses that are held celebrating the birth of Christ. In distant villages they celebrate the occasion in the privacy of their homes with prayers and small ceremonies. Christmas feast dishes include Pleah beef salad with prahok, kuyteav, fish dishes, noodles and rice. The New Year celebrations are usually the indication that the Christmas season is about to end.

    Christmas trees are found in almost every Christian home in the country. Even some non-Christian homes have these trees in their homes to make the season more festive. Traditional Christmas trees are decorated with crystal ornaments, candy canes, angel figurines and Christmas bells and balls.

Dates of Interest

  • December 25th

    Cambodia is a country that is located in the Southeast region of the Asian continent. Hence, it was part of the French Indochina colonized countries during its early years. This has resulted in some of its traditions and beliefs about Christmas. Most people in the country are non-Christians which makes the celebration of Christmas in Cambodia more solemn than in other Christian countries. Merry Christmas in the traditional Cambodian language is 'Soursdey Noel,' pronounced 'soors-dee Noel.' Take note of the influence of the French culture even in the greeting as "Noel" is a native French word. Santa Claus is well known in Cambodia. Even among Buddhist children, he is still considered a prime figure of the occasion and is the giver of gifts to children who are good. This has helped build up the tradition of Santa Claus among non-Christians as a saint who goes from house to house on Christmas Eve to check on children and deliver gifts.

How do people greet each other in Cambodia?

A common greeting is placing both hands together in a prayer-like position, often with the phrase "sok sebai" ("How are you?"). Shaking hands is not common.

Do

  • Place both hands together in a prayer-like position to greet
  • Bow your head slightly if you are holding or carrying something

Don’t

  • Don't expect handshakes, as they are uncommon

Good to know

  • "Sok sebai" means "How are you?"

What are dining customs like in Cambodia?

The two basic dishes are soup and rice, with rice as the staple; Cambodians eat with chopsticks, a spoon, or their fingers depending on the food and family custom.

Good to know

  • A bowl of soup may combine fish, eggs, vegetables, meat and spicy broth
  • Cambodian food is generally blander with more fish and gravies than neighboring countries
  • Cuisine shows Indian, Chinese, and European influences
  • Seafood and fish are common

What etiquette should I know when visiting a home or temple in Cambodia?

Remove your shoes when entering a home, place of worship, or religious school, and expect to be honored as a guest with the best seat and food.

Do

  • Remove your shoes when entering a home, wat, or religious school
  • Remove hats and shoes when entering a wat (pagoda)
  • Accept the best place to sit and best portion of food graciously

Don’t

  • Don't embarrass someone in public
  • Don't raise your voice, as it signals a bad personality

How should I dress in Cambodia?

Traditional clothing for men and women is common, and a "krama" (a large scarf) is often used as a hat or small blanket.

Good to know

  • Younger women may wear colored hats
  • A krama scarf can serve as a hat or small blanket

What gestures should I be aware of in Cambodia?

Gesture rules come from Buddhism; waving the hand is a sign of friendship, and it is important to distinguish a "yes" meaning "I'm listening" from a "yes" meaning "I understand."

Do

  • Wave your hand as a friendly gesture

Don’t

  • Don't raise your voice
  • Don't embarrass anyone in public

Good to know

  • Clarify whether a "yes" means someone is listening or actually understands

What is family life like in Cambodia?

Multiple generations often live together, the elderly are cared for by their children, and the extended family community is valued above the individual.

Good to know

  • Cambodia has many orphans, widows, and single-parent families due to the Khmer Rouge era
  • Single mothers often try to remarry or form small clans of women and children for mutual aid
  • Khmer tradition allows a man more than one wife, but it is rarely practiced due to economic burden
  • Khmer do not intermarry with other ethnic groups

What do people do for recreation in Cambodia?

Soccer and volleyball are the most popular sports, with basketball, bicycle racing, and hopscotch for girls also played.

Good to know

  • A popular village game involves throwing your sandals at a line drawn in the dirt, closest sandal wins
  • Children's recreation is limited by family chores

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Cambodia

Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
4066
Time Difference
UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The climate in Cambodia is relatively consistent throughout the country--hot and humid. There are two distinct seasons: a dry season that lasts from November to May, and a rainy season lasting from June to October. The country has an average annual rainfall of between 50 and 75 inches with the southwestern mountains, the area with the highest rainfall, receiving nearly 200 inches per year. December to February are the coolest months of the year, when temperatures can drop to the mid to upper 60°F (25-27°C). April is the hottest month, when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (40°C). The average relative humidity is 81%. During the rainy season, periodic flooding in Phnom Penh can make driving a problem due to the city's old and dysfunctional drainage system. Despite this, standing water usually drains away within a matter of hours.
Airports
20
Recommended Vaccinations
How important is it to do your research about vaccinations? It might just save your life! Make yourself aware of the different types of vaccinations and which ones you may need to travel to your destination. Schedule an appointment with your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you receive all important shots. Be sure that you and your family are up to date on your routine vaccinations. Which vaccinations you need will depend on a number of factors including your destination, whether you will be spending time in rural areas, the season of the year you are traveling, your age, health status, and previous immunizations.
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Recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Funan & Chenla

    100 – 802

    The earliest Indianized kingdoms of mainland Southeast Asia emerged in the Mekong Delta region. Funan, a trading and agrarian state heavily influenced by Indian religion and statecraft, flourished from roughly the first to sixth century before being absorbed by its successor polity, Chenla, which expanded Khmer dominion across much of modern Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

  2. Angkor Empire

    802 – 1431

    Jayavarman II unified the Khmer realm in 802 and inaugurated the Angkor period, the zenith of Khmer civilization. At its height under Jayavarman VII (1181–ca. 1218), the empire controlled vast territories from its monumental capital at Angkor, producing masterworks of hydraulic engineering and temple architecture. Sustained Thai pressure, dynastic strife, and the collapse of the irrigation network led to the abandonment of Angkor after the Siamese sacked it in 1431.

  3. Post-Angkor Decline

    1431 – 1863

    With Angkor lost, the Khmer court relocated southward toward the Mekong, and Cambodia was reduced to a buffer state contested by Siam and a expanding Vietnam. The Thai seized the capital Lovek in 1594, and by the late seventeenth century Vietnam had annexed the Mekong Delta, severing Cambodia from the sea. Centuries of territorial attrition left the kingdom politically fragmented and economically weakened.

  4. French Protectorate

    1863 – 1953

    King Norodom signed a protectorate agreement with France in 1863, initiating nine decades of colonial rule that gradually stripped the monarchy of real authority. During World War II, Japanese occupation paradoxically fostered Khmer nationalist sentiment even while Vichy French administrators remained in place. King Norodom Sihanouk's sustained diplomatic campaign — his Royal Crusade for Independence — compelled France to transfer sovereignty, and full independence was declared in November 1953.

  5. Sihanouk & War Years

    1953 – 1975

    Independent Cambodia navigated Cold War pressures under Sihanouk, who abdicated the throne in 1955 to dominate civilian politics and pursued a precarious neutrality. A US-backed coup in 1970 installed Lon Nol, drawing Cambodia fully into the Vietnam War and enabling the Khmer Rouge insurgency to grow. Years of US bombing and civil conflict devastated the countryside and set the stage for the Khmer Rouge's seizure of Phnom Penh in April 1975.

  6. Khmer Rouge & Recovery

    1975 – 1993

    The Khmer Rouge regime evacuated cities, abolished currency, and executed perceived enemies in an agrarian revolution that killed an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people between 1975 and 1979. A Vietnamese invasion in late 1978 toppled the regime but sparked over a decade of civil war and international isolation. The 1991 Paris Peace Accords and UN-supervised elections in 1993 restored a constitutional monarchy and began Cambodia's halting transition toward stability.

  7. Modern Cambodia

    1993 – present

    The restoration of the monarchy under King Sihanouk and subsequent coalition governments presided over gradual economic growth, though factional violence in 1997 briefly destabilized the country. The final Khmer Rouge elements surrendered in 1999, and UN-backed tribunals later prosecuted surviving leaders for crimes against humanity. Cambodia has since pursued integration into ASEAN and sustained development, even as concerns about democratic backsliding and single-party dominance persist.

Overview

A gate of the Angkor Thom temple complex,

Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1700

    Viets conquer Mekong Delta.

    Viets conquer Mekong Delta; weaker Khmer kingdom assumes roughly modern borders of Cambodia.

  2. 1834 – 1841

    Viets attack and share increasing control over Khmers with Siam kingdom.

    Viets attack and share increasing control over Khmers with Siam kingdom.

  3. 1863

    Cambodia becomes a protectorate of France. French colonial rule lasts for 90 years.

    Cambodia becomes a protectorate of France. French colonial rule lasts for 90 years.

  4. 1941 – 1945

    Cambodia is occupied by Japan during World War II.

    Cambodia is occupied by Japan during World War II.

  5. 1946

    France re-imposes its protectorate.

    France re-imposes its protectorate.

  6. 1953

    Cambodia wins its independence from France.

    Cambodia wins its independence from France. Under King Sihanouk, it becomes the Kingdom of Cambodia.

  7. 1965

    Head of State Sihanouk breaks off relations with the US.

    Head of State Sihanouk breaks off relations with the US and allows North Vietnamese guerrillas to set up bases in Cambodia in pursuance of their campaign against the US-backed government in South Vietnam.

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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth, if they lose a lower tooth, they throw it on the roof. If they lose an uppe rtooth, they put it under their bed. Their parents tell them that the new tooth will grow toward the old one and come in straight.

  • Located in Northwestern Cambodia, Angkor, the Capital of the Ancient Khmer Empire was possibly founded around the Ninth Century AD by King Jayavarman II. However, the city reached its peak glory in the 12th Century under Kings Suryavarman II and Jayavarman VII. The most beautiful and most famous monument in the city, Angkor Wat, lies about one kilometer south of the Royal town of Angkor Thom which was founded by Jayavarman VII. The Temple of Angkor Wat was dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu by King Suryavarman II, who reigned between AD 1131 and 1150. The Temple was constructed over a period of 30 years, and illustrates some of the most beautiful examples of Khmer and Hindu art. Covering an area of about 81 hectares, the complex consists of five towers, which are presently shown on the Cambodian national flag. These towers are believed to represent the five peaks of Mount Meru, the Home of Gods and Center of the Hindu Universe. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls, narrating stories from Hindu Mythology. With the decline of the Ancient Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat was turned into a Buddhist Temple and was continuously maintained, which helped its preservation. In 1992, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee declared the monument, and the whole city of Angkor, a World Heritage Site.

  • The Mekong River is the tenth longest river in the world. It flows through China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Thailand and Vietnam as well as Cambodia.

  • Suryavarman I, who held power from 1002 to 1050, built a huge reservoir, 8 km by 1.6 km, that still supplies water to nearby communities.

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Geography and Environment

the Kingdom of Cambodia covers an area of 181,040 sq. km. (69,900 sq. mi.). It is bordered on the northwest by Thailand, on the north by Laos, and on the east and southeast by Vietnam. Cambodia has a short coastline along the Gulf of Thailand where the main port and popular weekend destination, Sihanoukville, is located. Cambodia’s topography consists primarily of flat, low-lying plains that are drained by the Tonle Sap (Lake) and the Mekong and Bassac Rivers.
Terrain
mostly low, flat plains; mountains in southwest and north
Climate
The climate in Cambodia is relatively consistent throughout the country — hot and humid. There are two distinct seasons: a dry season that lasts from November to May, and a rainy season lasting from June to October. The country has an average annual rainfall of between 50 and 75 inches with the southwestern mountains, the area with the highest rainfall, receiving nearly 200 inches per year. December to February are the coolest months of the year, when temperatures can drop to the mid to upper 60ºF (25–27ºC). April is the hottest month, when temperatures regularly exceed 100ºF (40ºC). The average relative humidity is 81%. During the rainy season, periodic flooding in Phnom Penh can make driving a problem due to the city's old and dysfunctional drainage system. Despite this, standing water usually drains away within a matter of hours.
Natural Hazards
monsoonal rains (June to November); flooding; occasional droughts
Current Environmental Issues
illegal logging activities throughout the country and strip mining for gems in the western region along the border with Thailand have resulted in habitat loss and declining biodiversity (in particular, destruction of mangrove swamps threatens natural fisheries); soil erosion; in rural areas, most of the population does not have access to potable water; declining fish stocks because of illegal fishing and overfishing
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Khmer (official) 95%, French, English

  • Khmer
  • French

Population

Population
17,763,980
Population in Major Urban Areas
PHNOM PENH (capital) 1.55 million
Nationality Noun
Cambodian(s)
Ethnic Groups
Khmer 90%, Vietnamese 5%, Chinese 1%, other 4%
Language Note
The Khmer language comes from an older language called paali, which developed as a successor to Indian Sanskrit. Khmer has 26 vowels and 33 consonants.

Education

Literacy Definition
Age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Cambodia has improved dramatically over the past several decades, reflecting the country's recovery from decades of conflict, genocide, and widespread poverty. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Cambodia stands at approximately 70 years, with women living slightly longer than men — around 72 years compared to roughly 68 years for men. This represents a remarkable turnaround. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, following the devastating Khmer Rouge regime and the mass atrocities of 1975–1979, life expectancy in Cambodia had collapsed to among the lowest in the world, estimated at below 40 years in some assessments. The destruction of health infrastructure, the loss of trained medical professionals, and the displacement of millions of people created a public health crisis that took generations to address. Progress since then has been driven by significant improvements in maternal and child health, expanded access to immunization programs, better nutrition, and the reduction of infectious disease burdens including malaria and tuberculosis. The infant mortality rate has declined sharply over recent decades, falling from well above 100 deaths per 1,000 live births in the early 1990s to under 25 today, which has had a meaningful positive effect on overall life expectancy figures. Despite these gains, Cambodia continues to face health challenges that temper further improvements. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are becoming more prevalent as the population ages and urbanizes. Access to quality healthcare remains uneven, with rural communities — home to a large share of the population — often lacking adequate medical facilities and trained personnel. Out-of-pocket healthcare costs remain a significant barrier for many families, and health workforce shortages persist across much of the country. Cambodia's life expectancy figures now sit near or slightly below the regional average for Southeast Asia, reflecting both its impressive progress and the continued work needed to strengthen its healthcare system. International health organizations and development partners continue to invest in Cambodia's public health infrastructure, with a focus on universal health coverage and disease prevention as key priorities for extending healthy life expectancy in the years ahead.
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
Very high

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Cambodia has improved dramatically over the past several decades, reflecting the country's recovery from decades of conflict, genocide, and widespread poverty. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Cambodia stands at approximately 70 years, with women living slightly longer than men — around 72 years compared to roughly 68 years for men. This represents a remarkable turnaround. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, following the devastating Khmer Rouge regime and the mass atrocities of 1975–1979, life expectancy in Cambodia had collapsed to among the lowest in the world, estimated at below 40 years in some assessments. The destruction of health infrastructure, the loss of trained medical professionals, and the displacement of millions of people created a public health crisis that took generations to address. Progress since then has been driven by significant improvements in maternal and child health, expanded access to immunization programs, better nutrition, and the reduction of infectious disease burdens including malaria and tuberculosis. The infant mortality rate has declined sharply over recent decades, falling from well above 100 deaths per 1,000 live births in the early 1990s to under 25 today, which has had a meaningful positive effect on overall life expectancy figures. Despite these gains, Cambodia continues to face health challenges that temper further improvements. Non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are becoming more prevalent as the population ages and urbanizes. Access to quality healthcare remains uneven, with rural communities — home to a large share of the population — often lacking adequate medical facilities and trained personnel. Out-of-pocket healthcare costs remain a significant barrier for many families, and health workforce shortages persist across much of the country. Cambodia's life expectancy figures now sit near or slightly below the regional average for Southeast Asia, reflecting both its impressive progress and the continued work needed to strengthen its healthcare system. International health organizations and development partners continue to invest in Cambodia's public health infrastructure, with a focus on universal health coverage and disease prevention as key priorities for extending healthy life expectancy in the years ahead.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Cambodia
Full Country Name
Kingdom of Cambodia
Local - Long
Preahreacheanacha Kampuchea (phonetic pronunciation)
Local - Short
Kampuchea
Former Name
Kingdom of Cambodia, Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, People's Republic of Kampuchea, State of Cambodia

Government Structure

Government Type
multiparty democracy under a constitutional monarchy established in September 1993
Legal System
primarily a civil law mixture of French-influenced codes from the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) period, royal decrees, and acts of the legislature, with influences of customary law and remnants of communist legal theory; increasing influence of common law in recent years
Executive Branch
chief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October 2004) head of government: Prime Minister HUN Manet (since 22 August 2023); Deputy Prime Ministers include SUN Chanthol, HOR Namhong, BUN Rany Hun Sen, TEA Banh, and others cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister and appointed by the monarch elections: none; the monarch is chosen by a Royal Throne Council from among eligible male members of the royal family; following legislative elections, a member of the majority party or majority coalition is nominated as prime minister by the Chairman of the National Assembly and appointed by the king; HUN Manet, son of long-serving former Prime Minister HUN Sen, assumed office following the Cambodian People's Party's sweeping victory in the July 2023 general elections
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament of Cambodia consists of the National Assembly (125 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and the Senate (62 seats; two members appointed by the monarch, two elected by the National Assembly, and 58 elected by provincial and municipal councils; members serve six-year terms). Elections: National Assembly - last held on 23 July 2023; Senate - last held on 25 February 2024. Election results: National Assembly - percent of vote by party - CPP 82.3%, FUNCINPEC 9.2%, Khmer Will Party 4.7%, other 3.8%; seats by party - CPP 120, FUNCINPEC 5; Senate - seats by party - CPP 55, FUNCINPEC 5, other 2, with 2 appointed by the monarch and 2 elected by the National Assembly (2024).
Judicial Branch
Supreme Council of the Magistracy (provided for in the constitution and formed in December 1997); Supreme Court (and lower courts) exercises judicial authority
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
promulgated 21 September 1993
Independence
9 November 1953 (from France)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 9 November (1953)

Capital City

Capital Name
Phnom Penh
Capital - geographic coordinate
11 33 N, 104 55 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+7 (12 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Phnom Penh translates as "Penh's Hill" in Khmer; the city takes its name from the present Wat Phnom (Hill Temple), the tallest religious structure in the city, whose establishment, according to legend, was inspired in the 14th century by a pious nun, Daun PENH

Military

Branches: Royal Cambodian Armed Forces: Royal Cambodian Army, Royal Khmer Navy, Royal Cambodian Air Force

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

US Embassy Phnom Penh

No. 1, Street 96 (near Wat Phnom), Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Telephone: (855-23) 728-000

Fax: (855-23) 728-700

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Economy

Cambodia has experienced significant economic transformation over the past two decades, transitioning from one of the world's poorest nations to a lower-middle-income country, a status it achieved in 2015.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
riels (KHR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$4,729,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
5.5%
Gini Index
10

News & Weather

Current Weather

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Climate Overview

The climate in Cambodia is relatively consistent throughout the country--hot and humid. There are two distinct seasons: a dry season that lasts from November to May, and a rainy season lasting from June to October. The country has an average annual rainfall of between 50 and 75 inches with the southwestern mountains, the area with the highest rainfall, receiving nearly 200 inches per year. December to February are the coolest months of the year, when temperatures can drop to the mid to upper 60°F (25-27°C). April is the hottest month, when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F (40°C). The average relative humidity is 81%. During the rainy season, periodic flooding in Phnom Penh can make driving a problem due to the city's old and dysfunctional drainage system. Despite this, standing water usually drains away within a matter of hours.

Videos

1 curated YouTube videos.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Cambodia?
The population of Cambodia is approximately 17.8M.
How do people greet each other in Cambodia?
A common greeting is placing both hands together in a prayer-like position, often with the phrase "sok sebai" ("How are you?"). Shaking hands is not common. Do: Place both hands together in a prayer-like position to greet Bow your head slightly if you are holding or carrying something Don't: Don't expect handshakes, as they are uncommon "Sok sebai" means "How are you?"
What are dining customs like in Cambodia?
The two basic dishes are soup and rice, with rice as the staple; Cambodians eat with chopsticks, a spoon, or their fingers depending on the food and family custom. A bowl of soup may combine fish, eggs, vegetables, meat and spicy broth Cambodian food is generally blander with more fish and gravies than neighboring countries Cuisine shows Indian, Chinese, and European influences Seafood and fish are common
What etiquette should I know when visiting a home or temple in Cambodia?
Remove your shoes when entering a home, place of worship, or religious school, and expect to be honored as a guest with the best seat and food. Do: Remove your shoes when entering a home, wat, or religious school Remove hats and shoes when entering a wat (pagoda) Accept the best place to sit and best portion of food graciously Don't: Don't embarrass someone in public Don't raise your voice, as it signals a bad personality
How should I dress in Cambodia?
Traditional clothing for men and women is common, and a "krama" (a large scarf) is often used as a hat or small blanket. Younger women may wear colored hats A krama scarf can serve as a hat or small blanket
What gestures should I be aware of in Cambodia?
Gesture rules come from Buddhism; waving the hand is a sign of friendship, and it is important to distinguish a "yes" meaning "I'm listening" from a "yes" meaning "I understand." Do: Wave your hand as a friendly gesture Don't: Don't raise your voice Don't embarrass anyone in public Clarify whether a "yes" means someone is listening or actually understands
What is family life like in Cambodia?
Multiple generations often live together, the elderly are cared for by their children, and the extended family community is valued above the individual. Cambodia has many orphans, widows, and single-parent families due to the Khmer Rouge era Single mothers often try to remarry or form small clans of women and children for mutual aid Khmer tradition allows a man more than one wife, but it is rarely practiced due to economic burden Khmer do not intermarry with other ethnic groups
What do people do for recreation in Cambodia?
Soccer and volleyball are the most popular sports, with basketball, bicycle racing, and hopscotch for girls also played. A popular village game involves throwing your sandals at a line drawn in the dirt, closest sandal wins Children's recreation is limited by family chores
What is the capital of Cambodia?
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia, serving as the nation's political, economic, and cultural heart. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap, and Bassac rivers, the city has been Cambodia's capital since the 15th century, with interruptions during the Khmer Rouge era (1975–1979), when it was forcibly evacuated. Today it is a rapidly modernizing metropolis that blends French colonial architecture with Buddhist temples and contemporary development.
Where is Cambodia located?
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia, occupying the southwestern portion of the Indochina Peninsula. It sits between the tropics, bordered by the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest, and is part of mainland Southeast Asia alongside Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. The country lies largely within a low-lying basin dominated by the Mekong River and the vast freshwater lake known as the Tonlé Sap, making it one of the region's most distinctive riparian landscapes.
What countries border Cambodia?
Cambodia shares land borders with three countries: Thailand to the northwest and west, Laos to the north and northeast, and Vietnam to the east and southeast. To the southwest, the country has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand. These borders have been historically contested, particularly with Thailand and Vietnam, and shaped many of the political and military conflicts of the 20th century, including the civil war period following the Khmer Rouge regime.
What is the main religion practiced in Cambodia?
Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion of Cambodia, practiced by approximately 95% of the population. It is enshrined as the state religion under the constitution and profoundly shapes Cambodian culture, daily life, social values, and the annual calendar of festivals. The community and family are prioritized over the individual — a worldview closely aligned with Buddhist principles. The remaining 5% of the population includes Muslim Cham, animist highland communities, and small Christian and other minorities.
What is the currency of Cambodia?
The official currency of Cambodia is the riel, with the ISO code KHR. Introduced in 1980 after the Khmer Rouge abolished money entirely during their rule, the riel circulates alongside the US dollar, which is widely accepted — and often preferred — for larger transactions throughout the country. This informal dual-currency economy is unusual in Southeast Asia and reflects Cambodia's deep economic integration with international aid and foreign investment since the 1990s.
What language is spoken in Cambodia?
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia, spoken by approximately 95% of the population as their first language. It belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and uses a distinctive script derived from ancient Indian writing systems — one of the oldest in Southeast Asia. French was historically significant during the colonial period and retains a presence in some government and academic contexts, while English has grown considerably as the primary language of business, tourism, and younger generations.
What is Cambodia known for?
Cambodia is internationally renowned for Angkor Wat, the vast 12th-century temple complex near Siem Reap built under King Suryavarman II and considered the largest religious monument in the world. The country is also recognized for its tragic modern history under the Khmer Rouge (1975–1979), documented at memorials such as the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Cambodian cuisine — featuring dishes like fish amok and kuy teav — and the vibrant Khmer New Year festival are central cultural touchstones, while garment manufacturing and tourism remain the country's leading economic sectors.

Last reviewed 2026