Cambodia Information

Some information about Cambodia and its history, politics etc

Practical Information

Official Name of Camboida:

After regaining independence in 1953, the country had several names:

- Kingdom of Camboida (sine 1993)

- State of Camboida (1989-93)

- People's Republic of Kampuchea (1979-89)

- Democratic Kampuchea (1975-79)

- Khmer Republic (1970-75)

- Kingkom of Camboida (1953-70)

Location

The Kingdom of Cambodia occupies the southwestern part of the mainland of 181 035 square kilometers and lies midway between China and India. Cambodia is bounded on the west by Thailand, on the north by Thailand and Laos, on the east and south-east by Vietnam and on the south by the Gulf of Thailand.

City

Phnom Penh, the Capital has a population fo approximately 1.8 million. Other major cities are Siem Reap, Battambang, Sihanoukville, Takeo, Kampong Thom.

Climate

The climate of the Kingdom of Cambodia is in tropical zone, and benefits from a great amount of sun almost year-round. Cambodia is governed by two monsoon, which set the channel of rural life. There are two seasons: monsoon season and dry season. Each season has its own beauty and refreshing changes in weather.
The cold, dry, north-east monsoon, which carries little rain, blows from November to March with the temperature ranging from 17-27 degrees C. In this season from December to January is the coolest period. The humid, rainy season last from April to early October with the temperature ranging from 27-35 degrees C., the south-western monsoon bring strong winds. high humidity and heavy rains. Between these seasons, the weather is transitional and the hottest period is in April the temperature can reach 38 degree C. Even during the wet season, it rarely rains in the morning; most of rains come in the afternoons, and even then only occasionally. The average temperature is 27 degrees C. The mininum temperature is about 16 degrees C.

Population

Total pupulation is approximately 12 million. Cambodia comprises a variety of peoples who are commonly called Khmer and they constitute 90-95% of the population. The population also includes a diversity of ethnic backgrounds: Chinese, Vietnamese, Chams, and Hilltribes, called Khmer Loeu.

Religion

The official religion of Camboida is Theravada Buddhism, which is spread gradually from Sri Lanka to mainland Southeast Asia by way of Burma and is practiced in those area today. Theravada Buddhism was introduced to the Kingdom of Cambodia in the 12th century by King Jayavarman Vll. Theravada Buddhism, known as the lesser Vehicle. The sight saffron-robed monks is common throughout the Kingdom and almost every village has a buddhist temple as a dominant feafure of daily life. Buddhism was a religious reform movement against Hinduism. Brahmanism and Hinduism are religions have an effective on Khmer arts. Muslim and Christine are also practiced in Camboida.

Language

The Camboida Language - called Khmer - is part of Mon-Khmer family. It has 23 vowels, 33 consonants, 24 dependent vowels, 12 indpendent vowels and several diacritics. At the present day, the second Language is English and after France.

Currency

The riel is the official currency in the Kingdom of Camboida. Notes are used in the following denominations - 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, 100000. Many of these notes have only recently been issued. The exchange rate is US$1 equal 4000 riels. US$ are generally accepted throughout the country. In Phnom Penh, some credit cards can be used and limited services are available for check cashing, and purchasing and cashing traveler's cheques.

Local Time

- 7 hours GMT

Working Hours

- Government Office: 7:30 a.m - 11:30 a.m and 2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m
- Business Office: 8:00 a.m - 11:30 a.m and 2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m
- Shops: 7:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m
- Banks: 8:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m

Visas

A thirty-day visa is available upon arrival at international Airport which pay US$ 20 and US$ 25. Visa extensions are possible through Ministry of Interior, Department of immigration. For Camboida-Foreigner, visa is available upon arrival without charges and period of stay not limited. Visas are also issued at the Royal Embassies or Consulates in foreign countries.

Access to Camboida

There are direct flight to Cambodia as Phnom Penh city from BangKok, Hanoi, Ho ChiMinh City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai,Beijing,Vientiane and Guangzhou, and direct flight from other country to Siem Reap such as Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Vientiane, Ho ChiMinh City, Hong Kong, Seoul, LUANG PRABANG, and also traveler can access to Camboida by land and by sea.