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Cambodia

Culture Overview

Art and Crafts
Traditional arts and crafts are abundant in Cambodia. Sculptures, paintings and curving are done with great care and attention. One can view such antiquities in market place, shop or museum. The variety of art and crafts are large in range and include such item as: silver and gold jewellery, wicker furniture, fine hard wood furniture, silks, marble sculptures, leather ware and much more.

Food
Khmer dishes aren’t too spicy for westerners. A Cambodian basic meal is almost always built around rice and usually includes fish, chicken, pork, beef and fresh vegetables. Freshwater fish is often served due to the country’s abundant supply of the natural resource. In fact, it is a good idea to try out the fish here. Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese food is also available in restaurants throughout Cambodia’s major cities.

Drinks
It is not safe to drink water from the tap in Cambodia, always use bottled water which can be bought very cheaply at 500 riel. Soft drinks, beer and wine are readily available here and the majority are imported. The most popular locally brewed beers in Cambodia are Angkor and Anchor. Wine lovers will be delighted to know that wine, unlike Thailand, is easy to find in restaurants, bars and supermarkets.

Regions

All regions

General information

Official name
Kingdom of Cambodia

Geographic Location
Southern Asia

Capital
Phnom Penh
1.75 million inhabitants

Largest cities
Phnom Penh, Batdambang, Siem Riep

Area
181,040 sq km

Population
13.6 Million

Time Zone
GMT + 7

Currency
Riel (KHR)

Official language
Khmer (official 95%), French, English

Neighbouring countries
Thailand, Laos, Vietnam

Highest mountain
Phnum Aoral (1,810m)

Lowest point
Gulf of Thailand (0m)

Longest river
Mekong

Landing place
Phnom Penh

Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz

Ethnic groups
Khmer (90-95%), Chinese-Khmers, Khmer Islam, Khmer Loeu, and Vietnamese

Religion
Theravada Buddhist 95%, Other 5%