by
Published on 24-05-2010 05:56 PM
Cambodia (formerly known as Kampuchea) with an estimated population of over 14 million has various ethnic groups – with 90 percent of Cambodians, 5 percent of Vietnamese, 1 percent of Chinese and the remaining four percent of Cham and Lao ethnic hill tribes. Most speakers speak Khmer language while English as a second language. French is also widely spoken in certain urban areas.
Children must attend school for at least nine years based on the government's policy. Students may further their studies in higher learning institutions as a number of universities were re-opened in 1980s. However, these institutions rely on foreign aid and students are mostly send overseas for practical training.
The country achieved its independence on November 9, 1953 and a new constitution was established officially on September 24, 1996. Cambodia proclaimed Phnom Penh as the capital city with an estimated population of around 1.3 million. Other cities in Cambodia are Prey Veng, Siem Reap, Kompong Cham and Battambang. Generally, there are only two seasons in the country – rainy or dry.
Cambodia recorded 6.5 percent of GDP growth rate annually. Among some of the more important sectors in the country to spur economic growth are agriculture, industrial, trade and services such as tourism, construction and transportation. The country produces rice, corn, meat, sugar and rubber for domestic and export markets.
Services play an important role in the country's economic and social development. Based on data collected in 2008, tourism, telecommunications, construction and transportation contribute approximately 38.8 percent of GDP.
Cambodia exports garments, rubber, rice, pepper, wood and fish to foreign countries such as United Kingdom, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, Germany and United States. Meanwhile cigarettes, fuel, heavy machinery tools and vehicles are imported from Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and United States.
The cultures across Cambodia vary as a result from French colonization, Vietnamese invasion, Indianization of Southeast Asia, rapid globalization and westernization. Today, more than 90 percent of the population practiced Theravada Buddhism. Islam and Christianity are also widely practiced among the locals.
Generally, learning about identity and cultural diversity is important to better understand the locals. To begin with, the most important cultural symbol that reflects Cambodia is the ancient temple Angkor Wat. In addition to that, Khmer Empire and other antiquities are also important for the Cambodians. Besides Angkor Wat, classical dance is also perceived as an identity to reflect the nation.
To promote and enhance understanding of Cambodian culture among its people particularly on younger generation, government have established and appointed Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts to create various projects to generate unity among all the ethnic hill tribes.
On a lighter note, food can also represent cultural identities. Rice is a staple food for Cambodia. What sets Cambodian food apart from other neighbouring countries is the frequent use of fermented fish sauce made from different types of fishes and shrimps. Known as Prahok, the fish sauce is constantly used to prepare stir fried selections or soup.
Another common dish among the Cambodians is rice noodle. But perhaps, the best food that represents Cambodian culture is deep fried Skuon spider as snacks. The deep fried or barbequed Skuon spider is only available in Cambodia. In fact, the food became an instant hit when Khmer Rouge Regime was ruling the country.
...
Sections
Categories
Recent Articles
Recent Comments
Recent Blog Posts
Recent Forum Posts
View Profile
View Forum Posts
Private Message
View Blog Entries
View Articles
