About Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia with a population of almost 15 million people, with Phnom Penh being the capital city. Cambodia is the successor state of the once powerful Hindu and Buddhist Khmer Empire, which ruled most of the Indochinese Peninsula between the 11th and 14th centuries.

Religion

A citizen of Cambodia is usually identified as "Cambodian" or "Khmer", which strictly refers to ethnic Khmers. Most Cambodians are Theravada Buddhists of Khmer extraction, but the country also has a substantial number of predominantly Muslim Cham, as well as small hill tribes.

Location

The country shares a border with Thailand to its west and northwest, with Laos to its northeast, and with Vietnam to its east and southeast. In the south it faces the Gulf of Thailand. The geography of Cambodia is dominated by the Mekong river (colloquial Khmer: Tonle Thom or "the great river") and the Tonlé Sap ("the fresh water river"), an important source of fish. Its low geography means much of the country sits near to below sea level, and its main source of water from the Mekong reverses its water flow in the wet season into the neighbouring Tonle Sap River.

Economy
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world. There is little to no infrastructure in the countryside, which significantly hinders any development. As a result, human resource levels are extremely low in these poverty-stricken areas.  Cambodia's main industries are garment and tourism. In 2006, foreign visitors had surpassed the 1.7 million mark. In 2005, oil and natural gas deposits were found beneath Cambodia's territorial water, and once commercial extraction begins in 2009 or early 2010, the oil revenues could have a "profound" impact on the future of Cambodia's economy.

Climate
It is hot and humid in Cambodia. There are two distinct seasons: a dry season that lasts from November to May, and a rainy season that lasts from June to October. The country has an average annual rainfall of between 50 and 75 inches, with the southwestern mountains being the area with the highest rainfall, nearly 200 inches per year. December, January and February are the coolest months of the year, with temperatures that can drop to the mid- to upper-60s Fahrenheit (25–27ºC). April is the hottest month, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100ºF (40ºC). The average relative humidity is 81 percent.

Dangers
It is estimated that 20 million land mines were buried during the past 30 years. Nearly 600 people are maimed or killed each year due to land mine accidents. Medical services are poor and most treatments are performed in Bangkok. Widespread crime necessitates constant vigilance and thoughtful consideration of all activities.