Here are some key facts about Cambodia:
- Cambodia is a country located in Southeast Asia. It borders Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and has a coastline along the Gulf of Thailand.
- With an area of 181,035 sq km, Cambodia is slightly smaller than the state of Oklahoma. Its population is around 16.7 million.
- The capital and largest city is Phnom Penh. Other major cities include Siem Reap, Battambang, and Sihanoukville (Preah Sihanouk).
- Cambodia has a tropical climate and rich biodiversity, including forests, rivers, and the Tonle Sap lake/river system.
- The official religion is Theravada Buddhism, practiced by around 97% of the population. Khmer is the official language.
- Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy, with King Norodom Sihamoni as the current head of state. However, power largely rests with the prime minister.
- Major industries include tourism, textile manufacturing, agriculture (rice, rubber, cassava), construction, and mining.
- Cambodia was home to the Khmer Empire between the 9th-15th centuries, which ruled much of Southeast Asia and constructed incredible temples like Angkor Wat.
- From 1975-1979, the Khmer Rouge regime led by Pol Pot killed an estimated 1.5-3 million Cambodians through executions, starvation and forced labor.
- Key attractions include the archaeological ruins of Angkor Wat and other Angkor temples, Phnom Penh's Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and coastal areas like Sihanoukville.
- Cambodia remains one of the poorest and least developed countries in Southeast Asia despite recent economic growth.
