CAMBODIA GENERAL INFORMATION

Cambodia has much to offer with its rich cultural heritage. The world-renowned Angkor temple complex with its stunning Khmer architectural achievements, cosmopolitan Phnom Penh, and the country’s unspoiled beaches, beautiful mountains and forests make Cambodia a unique travel destination
History
Much of Cambodia’s history is shrouded in mystery.

The earliest settlements discovered here date from the 7th century, B.C. With the end of the Angkor period in the 14th century, and then again with the reign of the Khmer Rouge, much historical documentation was destroyed. Thankfully, we have accounts by foreign traders and architectural remains to tell us one important fact: for a period of approximately six centuries (9th-14th), the Khmer people established at Angkor a base of military and political power coupled with a sophisticated culture that was unrivaled in Southeast Asia. Visitors today will discover that the temples and monuments of Cambodia are as much a part of the beautiful landscape as the natural elements that surround them.
Local Cambodia time: GMT + 7 Greenwichmeantime.com
Mainland Territory: 181,040 sq. km
Population: 14,241,640 (over 14 million inhabitants – est. 2008)
National Capital: Phnom Penh
Climate
Cambodia lies in the tropical zone. There are two seasons: monsoon and dry. The humid, rainy season lasts from April to October, when temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius/90 Fahrenheit. The hottest month is April, when the temperature can reach 38 C/100 F or more degrees.

The cool, dry season lasts from November to March, with temperatures reaching 27 C/80 F.

Language
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer, which is also referred to as Cambodian.. French and English are widely spoken in hotels and business circles. English is the first language among young students, while French is spoken by older people.

Population and People
Cambodia's population is more than 14 million and growing fast. Khmers make up 90 percent of the population, while a variety of other ethnic groups make up the rest. They include a diversity of peoples, Chinese, Vietnamese, Cham, and a number of tribal groups such as the Kreung, Tampuon, Kuoy and Jarai among them. .

Festivals and Holidays The dates of Cambodian traditional festivals are set according to the Khmer lunar calendar.

The most important of these are Chaul Chnam Thmei (Khmer New Year), which falls in mid-April, and the Water Festival in mid-November. The Mekong Pirogue races take place at this time. They last three days and are held in Phnom Penh in front of the Royal Palace. Independence Day is November 9.

Religion
Cambodia's official religion is Theravada Buddhism. It was introduced in Cambodia in the 12th century.It is enhanced by traditional animist beliefs and Brahmanist practices long imported from India to form a very Cambodian religious system. There are also 500,000 Muslims, mostly of Cham origins.