Interactive Map of Cambodia

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Cambodia at a Glance

History of Cambodia

Cambodia's history stretches back thousands of years. Long before the world knew its name, this land was home to some of the earliest civilizations in Southeast Asia - the ancient kingdoms of Funan and Chenla - which laid the cultural and spiritual foundations of what would become one of history's greatest empires.

Between the 9th and 15th centuries, the Khmer Empire rose to become the most powerful civilization in Southeast Asia, commanding a vast territory and building monuments of breathtaking ambition. At its peak, the capital city of Angkor was one of the largest pre-industrial cities in the world, home to over a million people at a time when London had barely 50,000. The temples they left behind - Angkor Wat, the Bayon, Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei - stand to this day as testaments to human creativity, devotion, and genius.

After centuries of decline and colonial rule under France, Cambodia regained its independence in 1953 under King Norodom Sihanouk. The decades that followed were turbulent. Most devastatingly, the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979 brought unimaginable suffering, wiping out nearly a quarter of the population and erasing much of the country's intellectual and artistic heritage. Yet Cambodia survived. It rebuilt. And today it stands as a country of extraordinary warmth, determination, and hope.

Culture and People

Cambodia's population is predominantly Khmer, known throughout the world for their gentle hospitality, deep Buddhist faith, and unshakeable sense of cultural identity. Over 95% of Cambodians practice Theravada Buddhism, and the presence of the pagoda - the wat - is felt in every village, town, and city. Monks in saffron robes walking at dawn, the smell of incense drifting through temple courtyards, the sound of chanting at sunrise - these are the rhythms of Cambodian life.

The Khmer language, one of the oldest written languages in Southeast Asia with an alphabet dating back to the 7th century, carries within it centuries of poetry, prayer, and story. Khmer classical dance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, tells the myths of gods and heroes through movements of extraordinary precision and beauty, a tradition passed down through generations even through the darkest years.

Cambodia's golden age of music in the 1960s produced legendary artists like Sinn Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothea, and Pen Ran - voices whose songs are still played at weddings and family gatherings more than half a century later. Cambodian cuisine is equally rich, featuring dishes like Fish Amok, Lok Lak, Bai Sach Chrouk, and Nom Banh Chok, all reflecting the country's love of fresh herbs, coconut milk, and river fish.

What Cambodia Is Famous For

Major National Roads of Cambodia

All 25 Provinces and Capital City