Question 1

What is the population of Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

The population of Cambodia is approximately 17.8M.

Question 2

How do people greet each other in Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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?"

Question 3

What are dining customs like in Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

How should I dress in Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

What gestures should I be aware of in Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

What is family life like in Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

What do people do for recreation in Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What is the capital of Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Where is Cambodia located?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What countries border Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What is the main religion practiced in Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

What is the currency of Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What language is spoken in Cambodia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

What is Cambodia known for?

Accepted Answer

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.

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