Country Name: Kingdom of Cambodia
Motto: Nation – Religion – King
Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Land Area: 181,035 sq km (69,898 sq miles)
Population: 14.8 million
Capital: Phnom Penh
Major language: Khmer, secondarily English and French
Major religion: Theravada Buddhism (97%), ethnic Vietnamese, ethenic Chinese, Cham, several hill tribes in the northeast
GNI per capital: US$320 ( World Bank 2005)
Main exports: Clothing, timber, rubber
Internet domain: .kh
International dialling code: +885
GEOGRAPHY
Cambodia covers a land area of 181,035 km2 in the southwestern of the Indochina peninsula. The country’s maximum extent is about 580km (east – west) and 450 (north- south). It is bounded on the west by Thailand, on the north by Thailand and Loas, on the east by Vietnam and on the east by south by the Gulf of Thailand. Administratively, the country composed of 21 provinces, three of which have relatively short maritime boundaries, 3 municipalities, 183 districts, 1,621 communes, 13, 406 villages. The country has a coastline of 435km and extensive mangrove stands, some of which are relatively undisturbed. Cambodia’s two dominant topographical features are the Makong River, which is almost 5km wide in places, and the Tonle Sap Lake.
PEOPLE
The population of Cambodia today is about 12 million. About 90 percent of the people are Khmer ethnic. The remaining 10 percent include Chinese-Khmers, Khmer Islam or Chams, ethnic hill-tribe people, known as the Khmer Loeu, and Vietnamese. About 10 percent of the population lives in Phnom Penh, the capital, making Cambodia largely a country of rural dwellers, farmers and artisans.
LANGUAGE
Khmer is the official language. English and French are popular second languages.
RELIGION
Theravada Buddhism is the official religion in Cambodia. The majority of people are Buddhist and 5% are Muslim or Christian.
FESTIVAL AND HOLIDAYS
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* New Year's day
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01 January
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* Victory day over the genocidal crime
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07 January
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* Meak Bochea day
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13 February
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* International Women's day
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08 March
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* Cambodian New Year's day
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14-15-16 April
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* International Labour day
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01 May
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* Visaka Bochea day
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12 May
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* King Norodom Sihamony's Birthday
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13-14-15 May
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* Royal Ploughing Ceremony
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16 May
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* King-Mother's birthday
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18 June
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* Phchum Ben day - The soul day
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21-22-23 Oct
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* Constitution's & Re-coronation's day
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24 October
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* King-Father's birthday
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31 October
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* Water Festival, Moon Festival
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04-05-06 Nov
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* Independence day
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09 November
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* United Nations Human Rights' day
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10 December
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CLIMATE
The climate can generally be described as tropical. As the country is affected by monsoon, it is hot and humid with an overage temperature around 27.C (80.F). There are two distinct seasons: the Rainy Season and the Dry Season. However, the Dry Season is divided into two sub-seasons, cool and hot. These seasons are
The Rainy season: From June till October 27-35.C (80-95.f)
The Dry season (cool): From November till February 17-27.C (80-95.F)
The Dry season (Hot): From March till May 29-38.C (84-100.F)
CURRENCY
The local currency is Riel, although the US dollar is widely accepted throughout the country and in all major markets. In recent years the rate of exchange has been floating around USD1= 4,000 Riels. Some popular Riel denominations include: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000 notes.
VISA & FEE
For most visitors to the kingdom, visa are obtainable upon arrival at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. At land crossing from Thailand, visas are available at Poipet Banteay Meanchey and Cham Yeam (Koh Kong province). Visitors who enter from Vietnam through Bavet (VN: Moc Bai) or Ka-Om Samnor (VN: Chao Doc) will need to have already obtained their visas prior to their arrival through a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate overseas.
The border crossing from Laos is also possible through Voeung Kham border checkpoint, but travelers are advised to obtain their Visas prior to arrival at the border. Please note that other border crossing not mentioned above are not classified as international checkpoints therefore we suggest that you secure confirmation before commencing your trip. Various Visa extension options are also available.
Visa Fee: US$20 of tourist Visas & US$25 for business Visas. The fee is payable only in cash.
AIRPORT TAX
For International departures: US$25 from Phnom Penh; US$25 from Siem Reap. For domestic flights: US$6 from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and US$6 from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
CUSTOMS
Every passengers has to complete an immigration form and a separate customs declaration form for submission upon arrival. Any amount of foreign currency can be brought into Cambodia but the amount of local currency (Cambodia Riel) must not exceed 100,000 riel per person.
TIPPING
Although not obligatory, tipping is widely practiced in hotels and restaurants. In addition to the service charges shown on bills, most people would leave some extra in the tray.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
It may surprise some, but Khmer dishes are, typically, not too spicy for western palate (as can sometimes be the case in Southeast Asia). In Cambodia the basic meal is almost always built around rice and usually includes fish, chicken, pork, beef and fresh vegetables. Freshwater fish is frequently served due to the country's abundant supply of this natural resource
While selecting from Khmer menus, we suggest you do order some fish for your meals, especially the popular Amok or Elephant fish dishes. Chinese, European, Thai and Vietnamese foods are also available in numerous restaurants in Cambodia's major cities.
Many of the same beverages which are generally offered in the outside world are readily available including the usual suspects: canned soft-drinks, beer, and wine (most of them imported). Coca Cola, Angkor Beer and several others are also bottled here.
HOSPITALS
There are still many state-owned hospitals, where qualified doctors work. There are also a number of private clinics available in the major cities and most of these maintain international standards.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Van and Car rental is recommended for touring in the city and the outskirts. A few city buses are available on limited roads but these are irregular and may only be suitable for local people. Cyclos (pollution-free, human-powered Tricycle-taxis) and motor-taxis are plentiful, inexpensive, and readily available. We recommend Cyclos for an "in-touch with the people" experience. These are ubiquitous within the cities.
Automobile taxis are also available but not nearly as plentiful (or pollution-free).
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Vaccination is not required for entry into Cambodia, but Mittapheap Tours suggests you check with doctor as some countries recommend their citizens be inoculated before embarking on an oversea adventure.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
There are two gateways for international telephone access from Cambodia by dialing 001 or 007 followed by the country code and the phone number.
There are also four cellular phone service provides offering convenient communication via the GSM system, therefore many citizens now carry mobile phones. Phone IDD and facsimile are also available.
INTERNET
It is easy and cheap to access the Internet and email in Cambodia. There are a plenty of Internet cafes and many are open until late at night. Currently the charge is between 50cents to $1U.S dollars per hour, and falling.
BUSINESS HOUR (local time is GMT plus 7 hours)
Most business offices are open from 08:00 till 12:00 and from 13:00 till 17:00, Monday through Friday. Banks generally operate from 08:00 till 15:00hrs. Most private companies work on Saturday, while government offices are closed.
SOUVENIRS FROM CAMBODIA
The Krama (a traditional cotton scarf) is one of the most popular, typical Cambodian souvenirs. These multi-purpose garments, similar to a sarong, are used for bathing, cleaning, protection from the sun and many other purposes in the Khmer life. It is also one of the national symbols that distinguish Khmer people from their neighbors. Both cotton and silk Krama are available throughout local markets and souvenir shops. Ask the seller to demonstrate the proper wearing of the Krama so you may carry and wear it yourself while sightseeing for a more elegant and traditional look.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts.
A glorious and ravaged history...
Cambodia has endured both a glorious and ravaged history of uncertainty and struggle, yet despite this has recently emerged as one of Asia's most enthralling and popular destinations.
Located at the confluence of three rivers - including the mighty Mekong - the capital Phnom Penh was originally founded as a place of religious significance. Phnom Penh is home to the magnificent Royal Palace and the famed Silver Pagoda.
An attractive city of about 80,000 inhabitants, Phnom Penh possesses a broad boulevard on the river front with an avenue of trees and the beautiful botanical gardens. The gardens surround a small hill - called the Phnom - which is crowned by a Buddhist monument with a conical spire. A steep flight of steps lead to its summit with twin images of Naga, the many headed serpent, carved in stone at the base of the balustrades.
It is, however, the astonishing Temples of Angkor complex near the small town of Siem Reap that make Cambodia so renowned. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries and forming the capital of the Khmer Empire, this once thriving civilisation spread to encompass much of modern South East Asia.
Covering an area of 400 sq. kms the temples were abandoned upon the eventual Khmer decline, and swallowed up by the jungle until they were rediscovered in the late 1860's. These remarkable monuments are Asia's greatest historical site. |
