Fact 1: The Young Population
Contrary to many other countries, Cambodia’s population is noticeably young. A staggering 50% of the population is under the age of 22. This is a sequela of the Khmer Rouge regime, during which a huge portion of the population was eradicated. The stark age demography is a poignant reminder of the country’s recent history.
Fact 2: The Empire of Temples
Cambodia is home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on earth and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built more than 900 years ago, the temple complex resided at the heart of the mighty Khmer Empire during the reign of Suryavarman II. Remarkably, it was originally Hindu but was later transformed into a Buddhist temple.
Fact 3: Ecological Hotspot
This nation is rich in biodiversity. The Cardamom Mountains, located in southwestern Cambodia, are considered one of the world’s greatest ecological hotspots, with dozens of species of animals and plants that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.
Fact 4: The Floating Villages
The Tonlé Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, expands and contracts dramatically with the seasons. During the rainy season, some Cambodian people live in “floating villages” that rise and descend with the lake levels. These communities have their own hermitages, shops, and schools - all afloat.
Fact 5: Landmine Awareness
Sadly, Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world. It is estimated that four to six million unexploded landmines still litter the country. There are numerous organizations offering support and notable is the Landmine Museum in Siem Reap which helps spread awareness.
Fact 6: Officially a Kingdom
Cambodia officially goes by the name ‘Kingdom of Cambodia’ and indeed has a monarch, King Norodom Sihamoni. However, the country is a constitutional monarchy where the king serves more as a figurehead than a ruler.
Fact 7: Respect for the Aged
Cambodian culture embodies deep respect for the elderly. It's a matter of custom for Cambodians to address older peers as ‘older brother’ or ‘older sister’. This applies irrespective of the relationship between the individuals.
Fact 8: The Language of Smiles
Cambodia is colloquially known as the 'Kingdom of Wonder' but it's also known by another name - 'The Land of Smiles'. The reason behind this adorable alias is the friendly disposition and the warm nature of the local Cambodian people, Khmers.
Fact 9: Bountiful Rice Production
Cambodia takes its rice seriously. It clocks in as the seventh largest rice-exporting nation on the globe. The Cambodian diet is primarily rice-based and it is an important component of their export economy.
Fact 10: Unique New Year Celebrations
Khmer New Year celebrations in Cambodia occur over three days in mid-April, which is notably later than most cultures. The festive holiday includes water fights, street parties, and a great deal of merrymaking.
Fact 11: Stilted Housing
In Cambodia, rural homes are built on stilts as high as three meters to prevent flooding during the rainy season. The space underneath the house is utilized for storage, livestock, and in the dry season, for hosting gatherings.
Fact 12: The Official Currency
The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, but the US dollar is also used widely. In fact, you’ll often receive change in a combination of the two currencies.
Fact 13: Cambodia has Only One Coastal City
Despite Cambodia’s size, it only has one coastal city, Sihanoukville. However, this city acts as a gateway to numerous idyllic islands tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Rong, Cambodia’s second largest island.
Fact 14: Monsoonal Climate
Cambodia, like many of its neighboring countries, experiences a tropical monsoon climate. There is a dry season that runs from November to April and a wet season that goes from May to October.
Fact 15: Cu Chi Tunnels
There’s a huge network of ancient canals and waterways under Cambodia, specifically in the city of Cu Chi. These complicated underground tunnels cover more than 120 miles and were used as hiding spots during the Vietnam War.
Fact 16: Cotton-Candy Pancakes
Cambodia is famous for a unique street food called "Num Krok", also known as Cambodian rice cake or cotton-candy pancakes. They are crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside, and are typically enjoyed as snacks.
Fact 17: The Wheelbarrow Spider
The wheel spider, also known as the dancing spider, resides in Cambodia. When threatened, this interesting creature flips onto its side and rolls away from danger, aided by its unique body shape and momentum.
Fact 18: High Diversity of Bird Species
Cambodia shelters over 600 different species of birds, with the Bengal Florican and Giant Ibis being the most rare and endangered. Bird watching is especially popular at the Tonlé Sap lake and its surrounding areas.
Fact 19: The Love for Insects
In Cambodia, eating insects is not a survival tactic but a delicacy. From crickets, silk worms, to giant water bugs, you can find a variety of these unique snacks at local markets.
Fact 20: The Beer Cuisine
Cambodia may not be internationally renowned for its beer, but ale is an integral part of the local cuisine. In addition to being a popular drink, beer is commonly used as a cooking ingredient, often employed to marinate meat or add flavor to various dishes.