Cambodia became independent within
the French Union in 1949 and fully independent in
1953. After a five-year struggle, Communist Khmer
Rouge forces captured Phnom Penh in April 1975 and
ordered the evacuation of all cities and towns;
at least 1.5 million Cambodians died from execution,
enforced hardships, or starvation during the Khmer
Rouge regime under POL POT. A December 1978 Vietnamese
invasion drove the Khmer Rouge into the countryside,
led to a 10-year Vietnamese occupation, and touched
off almost 13 years of civil war. The 1991 Paris
Peace Accords mandated democratic elections and
a ceasefire, which was not fully respected by the
Khmer Rouge. UN-sponsored elections in 1993 helped
restore some semblance of normalcy and the final
elements of the Khmer Rouge surrendered in early
1999. A coalition government was formed in 2003.
The capital of Cambodia is Phnom Penh and the climate
is warm and wet. While the unemployment rate is
2.5%, 40% of the population is under the poverty
line.
POPULATION
Population of the country is 13,607,069 (July 2005
est.) with a population growth rate of 1.81% (2005
est.). About 10 percent of the population lives
in Phnom Penh, making Cambodia largely a country
of rural dwellers, farmers and artisans.
ETHNIC GROUPS
The majority of the people are Khmer 90%. The remaining
10% include Chinese-Khmers, Khmer Islam or Chams,
ethnic hill-tribe people who known as the Khmer
Loeu, and Vietnamese.
LANGUAGE
Cambodia's official language is Khmer, and this
is spoken by 95% of the population. French is still
taught in some schools and universities. English
language is becoming important.
RELIGION
Theravada Buddhist 95%, others 5%
CURRENCY
The local currency used is riel (KHR). Riel = 100
sen.
US dollars are as commonly used as
the Riel. Even Thai Baht is acceptable in many places.
Most hotels and many restaurants and shops set their
prices in dollars. Small transactions are usually
done in Riel. Always carry some small Riel for motorcycle
taxis, snacks, beggars and other small purchases.
Credit cards and travelers checks are not common
but are catching on. US dollar travelers’
checks are much more easily cashed than any other
kind.
VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
All visitors to Cambodia need a visa to enter the
country, with the exception of the citizens of Malaysia
and Philippines.
Visitors can obtain their visa at any Cambodian
embassies and Consulates near their country. Visit
website http://www.mot.gov.kh/embassy_abroad.asp for the list of Cambodian Embassies and Consulate
Offices in foreign countries.
Tourist visas are valid for 30 days
starting from the date of issue, NOT from the day you enter the country. Tourist visas
can be extended for 30 days upon your arrival in
Cambodia, extension can only be done once. Submit
your visa application form, along with two standard
passport photos, your passport (valid for at least
six months at time of entry) and visa fee of US$20.
Alternatively, you can also obtain your visa upon
arrival at the two international airports -Pochentong
and Siem reap Airport, by submitting a photocopy
of your passport, two standard passport photos and
visa fee of US$20.
For more information on visa applications and procedures,
inquire directly with the Cambodian embassies and
Consulates located in or near your country.
AIRPORT TAX
Any passengers departing Cambodia on international
flights will need to pay a departure tax of US$25
at Phnom Penh and Siam Reap International Airports;
US$20 elsewhere; US$15 for holders of Cambodian
passports. Children less than 4 years of age are
exempted.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage in Cambodia is 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Power
cuts are frequent. Outside Phnom Penh, electrical
power is available only in the evenings from around
18.30-21.30.
TAP WATER
Tap water should be avoided, drink bottled water
with the seal intact.
VACCINATIONS
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless
coming from or passing through an infected area.
It is advisable to check for updated health recommendations
regarding malaria, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A
and B before your departure to Cambodia.
CLIMATE
Tropical monsoon climate. Monsoon season is from
May to November. The most pleasant season is the
dry season, from November/December to April. In
the north, winters can be colder, while throughout
most of the country temperatures remain fairly constant.
There is often seasonal flooding in Phnom Penh and
the rest of Cambodia in late-July and early-August;
travel may be disrupted.
TIME
GMT +7
CLOTHING
Lightweight clothing and cottons are worn all year.
Rainwear is essential during the rainy season. Tourists
are advised to dress modestly.
Sources:
CIA
world fact book, August 2005
Cambodia
travel and tourist information
The
official site for Tourism of Cambodia
Cambodia
Tourism
