Identification sheet of the country
Kingdom of Cambodia
Head of the State:Norodom Sihamoni - Prime minister:Hun Sen
Capital : Phnom Penh - Surface :181 000 km2
Population (hab.) : 14 millions of which half is less than 25 years old.
Currency : riel (0,0002026 €)
The southern coast borders the gulf of Siam on approximately 350 km. Tropical white sand beaches, Virgin Islands, old colonial counters and national parks contribute to the increasing popularity of the coast. It also shelters Angkor Borei, cradle of the pre-angkorian civilization dating back to the 5th century. Fishermen villages strew the major part of the coastline. The Western part of the area includes the wild and impenetrable jungle of Chuor Phnom Kravanh (range of Cardamones), while in the east, densely populated, the forest has been taken over, since a long time ago by farming The many wooded islands, to beaches fringed with palm trees, guarantee the development of tourism. If these islands can, without any doubt, compete with the most beautiful Thailandese islands, they remain until now ignored from developers.
The great characteristic of Cambodia lies in its hydrographic system, with of course the Mekong, feeder arm of the country which it crosses on nearly 500 km. But one should not forget this astonishing lake, the Tonlé Sap, located between Phnom Penh and Angkor.
Last but not least, let’s not forget the forests, which girdle the country from the south-west to the North-East. Those of the Cardamomes and Ratanakiri range are still tigers, snakes, and elephants territory. Ambiance of primitive jungle guaranteed..
The Kingdom of Cambodia is a monarchy type democracy with multi political parties.
There is a National Assembly composed of two chambers.
Religious freedom was restored in 1992. The Buddhists account for 95% of the population. Buddhism théravada (Small Vehicle) is the traditional religion of the majority of the Khmers. The Moslems, approximately 250.000 (approximately 2,5% of the population) are a minority. Their community is composed primarily of Cham. Even if the history of the Catholic Church goes back 450 years, it remains very much a minority today.