Location: Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and the Gulf of Thailand.
Capital: Phnom Penh.
Climate: Tropical, with a distinct wet season (May to October) and dry season (November to April).
History:
Ancient History: Home to the Khmer Empire (9th to 15th centuries), which built the famous Angkor Wat temple complex.
Colonial Period: Became a French protectorate in the 19th century and gained independence in 1953.
Modern History: Suffered under the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979), led by Pol Pot, resulting in widespread atrocities and a significant loss of life. The country has been rebuilding since the late 20th century.
Population and Culture:
Population: Approximately 16 million people.
Ethnicity: Predominantly Khmer, with ethnic minorities including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Cham.
Religion: Predominantly Theravada Buddhism.
Language: Khmer (Cambodian) is the official language, with English and French also spoken in some areas.
Economy:
Agriculture: Key sector, with rice being the main crop.
Tourism: Major contributor to the economy, with attractions like Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and coastal areas such as Sihanoukville.
Garment Industry: Significant export sector, employing a large number of Cambodians.
Tourism Highlights:
Angkor Wat: One of the largest and most iconic religious monuments in the world.
Phnom Penh: The capital city, featuring the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Sihanoukville: Coastal city known for its beaches and islands.
Siem Reap: Gateway to Angkor Wat, with a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene
