Cambodia or Kampuchea, republic in South East Asia, bordered on the north-east by Laos, on the east and south-east by Vietnam, on the south-west by the Gulf of Thailand, and on the west and north-west by Thailand. Cambodia covers a total area of 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq mi). The capital and largest city of Cambodia is Phnom Penh.
POPULATION
About 94 per cent of the Cambodian people are ethnic Cambodians, known as Khmer. Minorities such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Cham-Malays (who inhabit the mountainous regions) make up most of the remaining 6 per cent. In 2002 population was about 82 per cent rural.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Central Khmer, an Austro-Asiatic language sometimes called “Cambodian”, which is spoken by the majority of the population. French was formerly an important secondary language, but its use has been discouraged since independence. Western Cham, an Austronesian language, is a mother tongue for around 220,000 people living near major cities. Sixteen other Austro-Asiatic languages are spoken, including Tampuan, Central Mnong, and Kuy.
RELIGION
More than 90 per cent of Cambodia’s population adheres to Theravada (Hinayana) Buddhism. Buddhists built many pagodas throughout the country to serve their religious needs. Buddhism was persecuted under the Khmer Rouge, but has revived since their fall in 1979.
POPULATION
About 94 per cent of the Cambodian people are ethnic Cambodians, known as Khmer. Minorities such as Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Cham-Malays (who inhabit the mountainous regions) make up most of the remaining 6 per cent. In 2002 population was about 82 per cent rural.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Central Khmer, an Austro-Asiatic language sometimes called “Cambodian”, which is spoken by the majority of the population. French was formerly an important secondary language, but its use has been discouraged since independence. Western Cham, an Austronesian language, is a mother tongue for around 220,000 people living near major cities. Sixteen other Austro-Asiatic languages are spoken, including Tampuan, Central Mnong, and Kuy.
RELIGION
More than 90 per cent of Cambodia’s population adheres to Theravada (Hinayana) Buddhism. Buddhists built many pagodas throughout the country to serve their religious needs. Buddhism was persecuted under the Khmer Rouge, but has revived since their fall in 1979.
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