ចន្រ្ទពង្ស . CHANDRAPONG 007

A stunning country highlighted by friendly people and amazing landscapes that has weathered a difficult history, Cambodia is home of the magnificent Angkor Wat and other temples.

Visitors may come to see one of the manmade wonders of the world, but end up staying for the delightfully empty beaches, remote jungles, mysterious rivers and the incredible beauty and history of Cambodia. Jewels of the country include dazzling national parks like Bokor on the southern coast and haven to endangered species Virachay bordering Laos and Vietnam.

Cambodia is rich in culture and heritage as the successor-state of the Khmer Empire. Indeed the temple complex at Angkor is a detailed conglomeration of ethereal carvings, towering beams, serene sitting points and decadent archways that can take weeks to explore if you want to see it all. Also charming is the capital Phnom Penh, where ancient French colonial architecture is a draw alongside the Phnom Penh Royal Palace. Cambodia is on the travel map once again after many decades of brutal war and political instability.

The domineering Mekong river cuts through the country north to south, and the Mekong-Tonlé basin’s fertile central plains are the most densely populated areas. Bordered by Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, Cambodia has some unique natural features, including the Tonlé Sap (Great Lake), the Elephant and Cardamom mountains in the southwest, and the Dangk Rek mountains along the Thai border.

If these sites aren’t enough, there are a plethora of events and festivals, as well as sports and activities to keep you busy. Among the most popular celebrations is Bom Om Tuk at the end of the wet season in early November, which coincidentally is the best time to visit Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Shopping is an activity in itself at the Battambang Market, where you can view an impressive assortment of antiques and handicrafts.

Facts:

• Full name: Kingdom of Cambodia
• Population: 14.4 million (UN, 2007)
• Capital and largest city: Phnom Penh
• Area: 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq miles)
• Major language: Khmer
• Major religion: Buddhism
• Life expectancy: 57 years (men), 62 years (women) (UN)
• Monetary unit: 1 riel = 100 sen
• Main exports: Clothing, timber, rubber
• GNI per capita: US $380 (World Bank, 2006)
• Internet domain: .kh
• International dialling code: +855

Welcome to Cambodia (Journey of a Life Time)

National Anthem of Cambodia (Norkor Reach)

National flag of Cambodia

Cambodian Flag Description:

The flag of Cambodia consists of three horizontal stripes – the top and bottom stripes are blue and of equal size; and the center stripe is a larger red one with a white emblem representing the towers of Angkor Wat in the middle of it.

Cambodian Flag Meaning:

The blue color symbolizes the country’s royalty. The red represents the nation and the white represents the religion, beginning with Brahmanism, and the current major religion – Buddhism. The emblem of the temple represents the structure of the universe.

Cambodian Flag History:

The Cambodian flag was adopted on June 30, 1993. It was originally adopted on October 29, 1948 and remained until October 1970. The Cambodian flag once again resurfaced in 1993 with the reestablishment of the Cambodian monarchy. Cambodia declared independence from France on November 9, 1953.

Sources:

[1]. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/country_profiles/1243892.stm

[2]. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Cambodia

[3]. http://www.cambodianembassy.org.uk/index.php?menu=6&link=4&d_link=&elink=1#cam1